An apostille is a certificate issued by a government authority that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. The apostille is attached to the document and certifies that it is a true and accurate copy of the original document.

The apostille is typically used to validate documents that are being used for legal or official purposes in a foreign country. For example, if a company in one country wants to open a bank account or establish a subsidiary in another country, it may need to provide certain legal documents, such as articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, or powers of attorney. In order for these documents to be recognized and accepted by the foreign government or institution, they may need to be authenticated with an apostille.

Many countries are party to the Hague Convention, which established a standard process for the issuance of apostilles. Under this process, a designated government authority in the country where the document was issued will issue the apostille.

Apostille services are typically provided by government agencies, such as the Secretary of State, that are authorized to issue apostilles. Some private companies also offer apostille services, but it is important to ensure that these companies are reputable and authorized to provide apostilles.

Using an apostille service can be a convenient way to obtain the necessary certification for documents that are being used in another country. However, it is important to ensure that the apostille is obtained from a legitimate source and that it meets the requirements of the receiving country.