Quick facts
- Usually apostille the certificate AND the certified underlying judgment/decree (two documents, two apostilles) — confirm what the destination needs.
- Some foreign uses require an EXEMPLIFIED copy ($50 + pages, §70628) — confirm before ordering.
- Never notarize the certificate — it's authenticated by the clerk's certification.
- General condition rules: no lamination · no post-notarization alterations · no tape · staple multipage · legible signatures/seals.
- Submitting a plain photocopy instead of a clerk-issued/certified certificate.
What to know
Issuing office. The Superior Court clerk (records division) in the county where the judgment was entered. Certified route (how to obtain a certificate): 1. Confirm the appeal period has elapsed and no appeal is pending. 2. Ask the clerk to issue a Certificate of Finality / certificate of no appeal (or a certified docket showing finality if that's what the court provides) — "for apostille / international use." 3. Also obtain a certified copy of the underlying judgment/decree if the destination needs both. 4. If a foreign jurisdiction requires it, request an EXEMPLIFIED (triple-certified) copy. 5. Pay the fees (see below). Confirm the clerk's seal and signature are legible. Who can request it. Parties to the case and their attorneys; confirm any restrictions for sealed/family matters. Required forms. The court's records/certificate request process, which varies by county. Cost + timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I order?
A clerk-issued Certificate of Finality / certificate of no appeal (and usually the certified judgment/decree it relates to).
Why do I need it?
Many foreign authorities require proof a judgment/decree is final and non-appealable before they'll recognize/enforce it.
How much is it?
$40 (Gov. Code §70626(a)(4)) per certificate/copy.
What if my court doesn't issue one?
Ask for a certified docket (#63) showing no appeal was filed and the judgment is final.
Common destinations
Countries this document is most often sent to (pulled from this page's own guidance). Every destination has its own rulebook — apostille (Hague) or full legalization (non-Hague).