Quick facts
- Include all order pages (DV-130 is several 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 (family law / records division) in the county where the DV case was filed. Certified route (how to obtain a certified copy): 1. Confirm the DV-130 is signed by the judge and filed. 2. Request a CERTIFIED copy of the DV-130 — say it's "for apostille / international use." (The free filed-stamped copies the court provides are not certified.) 3. Pay the $40 certification fee. Confirm the clerk's seal and signature are legible and all order pages/attachments you need 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 DV-130, not the request (DV-100) or temporary order (DV-110) unless that's specifically what's needed. Cost + timeline for THIS.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I order?
A certified copy of the Restraining Order After Hearing (DV-130) from the Superior Court that issued it.
The court gave me free copies — can I use those?
Those are filed-stamped, not certified. The apostille requires a clerk-certified copy ($40).
How much is the certified copy?
$40 (Gov. Code §70626(a)(4)). The $15 divorce rate does not apply.
Will an apostille make a foreign country enforce my restraining order?
No — it authenticates the document. Foreign recognition of protective orders is country-specific.
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).