An apostille is an authentication certificate issued under the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961). It authenticates the notary's signature and official capacity so that a notarized document is accepted as valid in participating foreign countries.
A California notary does NOT issue apostilles. The apostille is issued by the California Secretary of State's office upon request, after verifying the notary's signature on file. The notary's role is simply to properly notarize the underlying document — the client then submits it to the Secretary of State to obtain the apostille.
Exam Tip: The most common misconception is that a notary issues or applies an apostille. The notary has no role in the apostille process beyond correctly notarizing the original document. Direct clients to the California Secretary of State's office for apostille services.
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