Quick facts
- Confirm the destination accepts a minute order (vs. requiring the formal signed order/judgment).
- Some foreign uses require an EXEMPLIFIED copy ($50 + pages, §70628) — confirm before ordering.
- Never notarize the minute order — 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 or download instead of a clerk-certified copy.
What to know
Issuing office. The Superior Court clerk (records division) in the county where the hearing occurred. Certified route (how to obtain a certified copy): 1. Identify the hearing date and the minute order you need; gather the case number and party names. 2. Request a CERTIFIED copy of the minute order — "for apostille / international use." Ask the destination whether they instead want the formal signed order/judgment. 3. If a foreign jurisdiction requires it, request an EXEMPLIFIED (triple-certified) copy instead. 4. Pay the fees (see below). Confirm the clerk's seal and signature are legible. Who can request it. Parties and (for public cases) the public; confirm any access restrictions for sealed/family/juvenile matters. Required forms. The court's records/copy request form, if any. Identify the specific minute order by hearing date. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): -.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I order?
A certified copy of the minute order for the relevant hearing date from the Superior Court.
Is a minute order enough, or do I need the formal order?
Depends on the destination — many want the formal signed order/judgment. Confirm first.
How much is the certified copy?
$40 (Gov. Code §70626(a)(4)).
Can I notarize it instead?
No — a court record is authenticated by the clerk's certification.
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).