Can I Apostille Court Documents or Name Change Orders?
Yes, you can apostille court documents and name change orders—and it’s often necessary when using them internationally, especially in countries under the Hague Apostille Convention. Orange County Apostille specializes in helping clients quickly and professionally authenticate court-issued documents like name change orders, divorce judgments, and adoption decrees for legal use abroad. To qualify, your document must be a certified original issued by a court clerk, and it may require a certified translation if used in a non-English-speaking country. Our streamlined service includes same-day options, certified translations, and expert handling of both state and federal apostilles. Book with Orange County Apostille today for fast, reliable service that meets international legal standards.

Can I Apostille Court Documents or Name Change Orders?
If you’re asking, “Can I apostille court documents or name change orders?”—the answer is a resounding yes! Court-issued documents, including name change orders, judgments, and other legal decisions, are often required for international use. To be legally recognized in a foreign country, these documents typically must be apostilled, especially if the destination is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
At Orange County Apostille, we help clients authenticate court documents and name change orders efficiently and professionally. Whether you’re managing immigration paperwork, financial transactions, dual citizenship applications, or legal issues abroad, we ensure your documents meet international standards.
Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille now for a seamless experience.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication established by the Hague Apostille Convention. It validates the origin of a public document so it can be legally accepted in any of the 120+ member countries without additional embassy legalization.
What Types of Court Documents Can Be Apostilled?
✅ Court-Issued Documents Eligible for Apostille Include:
- Final Name Change Orders
- Divorce Judgments
- Custody or Guardianship Rulings
- Adoption Decrees
- Probate or Will-Related Orders
- Small Claims and Civil Court Judgments
To be eligible, your document must be:
- An original or certified copy
- Issued by the court clerk with an official seal and signature
For more information, visit the U.S. Courts official website.
Can I Apostille a Name Change Order?
Yes! A name change order from a court is a public document, and if it is properly certified by the court clerk, it can be apostilled.
This is often required for:
- Dual citizenship
- International marriage
- Passport applications abroad
- Foreign work permits or residency
Steps to Apostille Court Documents or Name Change Orders
Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy from the Court
- Request a certified copy of your order from the county or superior court.
- Use California Courts Find My Court to locate the right jurisdiction.
Step 2: Confirm That the Document Is Eligible
The copy must:
- Be certified by the clerk of the court
- Have a visible court seal and signature
Step 3: Submit the Document for Apostille
- Submit state-issued documents (from a California court) to the California Secretary of State Apostille Unit.
- If the court document is federal, you must submit it to the U.S. Department of State.
Step 4: Translation (If Required)
If the document will be submitted to a non-English-speaking country, a certified translation is usually required.
- We offer certified translation services with licensed professionals from the American Translators Association.
Step 5: Receive Your Apostilled Document
Your authenticated document is now legally ready for submission in Hague member countries. Use services like FedEx or UPS for reliable shipping.
Why Apostille Your Court Documents?
- To be recognized in international legal proceedings
- To complete visa, immigration, and marriage procedures
- To open bank accounts or conduct property transfers abroad
- To manage adoption or custody cases internationally
For official guidance, visit the U.S. Department of State Authentications Office.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Submitting Photocopies
Only certified originals are eligible.
❌ Submitting to the Wrong Apostille Authority
- State documents go to the Secretary of State.
- Federal court documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
❌ Failing to Translate the Document (When Required)
Translations must be certified. Get assistance from the American Translators Association.
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
- Same-day service available for urgent requests
- 24-hour document turnaround for select cases
- Certified translation options included
- We serve all cities in Orange County
Book your appointment now and let our team take care of the hard part.
Top 10 Government Resources for Court Document Apostilles
- U.S. Department of State – Apostille Certification
- California Secretary of State – Apostille Unit
- U.S. Courts
- California Courts – General Info
- Find Your Local California Court
- National Notary Association
- FBI Background Check Portal
- American Translators Association
- CDC Vital Records for Name Verification
- Embassy World – Embassy Legalization Help
20 Embedded Backlinks
- Orange County Apostille
- U.S. Department of State – Apostilles
- California Secretary of State – Apostille Services
- Find Your Court in California
- California Courts Website
- U.S. Courts – Federal Info
- FBI Criminal Record Checks
- American Translators Association
- National Notary Association
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- National Visa Center
- U.S. Department of Justice
- CDC – Where to Write for Vital Records
- Hague Apostille Convention Members
- IRS – Official Site
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- SBA – Small Business Help
- Embassy World – Legalization Assistance
- UPS International Shipping
- FedEx International Shipping
Conclusion
If you’re planning to use court documents or a name change order abroad, apostille certification is not only possible—it’s essential. Whether you’re navigating legal systems, immigration offices, or family courts in another country, the apostille process ensures your documents are recognized internationally.