Quick facts
- Include all order pages plus any operative attachments the destination needs.
- Some countries require an exemplified (triple-certified) copy — confirm before ordering ($50 + pages, §70628).
- Never notarize the order — it's authenticated by the clerk's certification.
- An apostille authenticates the document; it does not create foreign enforcement of a protective order.
- General condition rules: no lamination · no post-notarization alterations · no tape · staple multipage · legible signatures/seals.
What to know
Issuing office. The Superior Court clerk (civil / records division) in the county where the case was filed. Certified route (how to obtain a certified copy): 1. Confirm the CH-130 is signed by the judge and filed. 2. Request a CERTIFIED copy of the CH-130 — say it's "for apostille / international use." (Any free filed-stamped copies are not certified.) 3. Pay the $40 certification fee. Confirm the clerk's seal and signature are legible and all order pages are included. Who can request it. The protected party (and their attorney) can request certified copies. Be aware of confidentiality protections for the protected party's information. Required forms. The court's records/copy request form, if any. Order the signed CH-130, not the request (CH-100) or temporary order (CH-110) unless specifically needed. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): - Certified copy of the CH-130:.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I order?
A certified copy of the Civil Harassment Restraining Order After Hearing (CH-130) from the Superior Court that issued it.
Is this the same as a DV restraining order?
No — civil harassment (CCP §527.6) is for non-domestic relationships; DV orders (Fam. Code §6200) are for close/domestic relationships. Order the correct type.
How much is the certified copy?
$40 (Gov. Code §70626(a)(4)). The $15 divorce rate does not apply.
Are free court copies enough?
No — those are filed-stamped, not certified. The apostille needs a certified copy.
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).