---
title: "Apostille & Document Authentication Glossary — 1Apostille"
url: https://1apostille.com/resources/glossary
description: "Complete glossary of apostille and document authentication terms. Understand key concepts like apostille, authentication, legalization, Hague Convention, and more."
lang: en
---

Reference Guide

# Apostille & Authentication Glossary

A comprehensive reference of key terms used in apostille, authentication, and international document legalization. Understanding these terms helps you navigate the process with confidence.

## Apostille

A certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 1961 that authenticates a public document for international use in member countries. It verifies the signature and seal on the document, not its content.

Learn more (https://1apostille.com/resources/what-is-an-apostille)

## Authentication

The process of verifying a document's genuineness by a government authority. In the U.S., this is done by the Secretary of State (state documents) or the U.S. Department of State (federal documents). Used interchangeably with 'certification' in some contexts.

Learn more (https://1apostille.com/guides/apostille-vs-authentication)

## Certified Copy

An official reproduction of an original document, verified by the issuing authority as a true and accurate copy. Only certified copies (not photocopies) can be apostilled.

## Competent Authority

The government office designated to issue apostilles in a given country. In the U.S., this includes state Secretaries of State and the U.S. Department of State.

## Embassy Legalization

The process of having a document verified by a foreign embassy or consulate after it has been authenticated at the state and federal level. Required for non-Hague countries.

Learn more (https://1apostille.com/services/embassy-legalization)

## Hague Convention

The 1961 Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. An international treaty signed by 120+ countries that created the apostille system to simplify document authentication across borders.

Learn more (https://1apostille.com/services/hague-apostille)

## Identity History Summary

The official name for an FBI background check (also called an FBI rap sheet). It's a federal document showing an individual's criminal history from FBI records. Must be apostilled through the U.S. Department of State.

Learn more (https://1apostille.com/services/fbi-background-check)

## Legalization

The process of having a foreign embassy or consulate certify a document for use in their country. Required for non-Hague countries after state and federal authentication.

Learn more (https://1apostille.com/services/non-hague-authentication)

## Notarization

The process of having a notary public witness the signing of a document and verify the signer's identity. Many private documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled.

## Notary Public

A state-commissioned official authorized to witness document signings, administer oaths, and certify copies. Notary signatures can be apostilled through the state where the notary is commissioned.

## Public Document

A document issued by a government authority or bearing a government official's signature/seal. Only public documents (or notarized private documents) can receive an apostille.

## Secretary of State

The state government office responsible for issuing apostilles and authentication certificates for state-level documents. Each U.S. state has its own office with different fees and processing times.

Learn more (https://1apostille.com/coverage)

## Sworn Translation

A translation performed by a certified or sworn translator who attests to the accuracy of the translation. Many countries require sworn translations alongside apostilled documents.

## U.S. Department of State

The federal agency responsible for issuing apostilles and authentication certificates for federal documents such as FBI background checks, patents, and documents certified by federal agencies.

## Vital Records

Official government records of life events including birth, marriage, divorce, and death. These are among the most commonly apostilled document types.

Learn more (https://1apostille.com/services/personal-documents)

## Have Questions? We're Here to Help

Our team of apostille experts can answer any questions about document authentication and legalization.

Contact Us: https://1apostille.com/order
Call (833) 725-8001: 8337258001

Disclaimer: 1Apostille is a private document processing service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office or the U.S. Department of State. Our service fees are separate from government filing fees. Processing times are estimates and may vary based on state office workload and document type. This website does not provide legal advice.

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