What is an apostille used for?

An apostille serves as a certification that verifies the authenticity of documents for international use, particularly for countries that are part of the Hague Convention. When a document, such as a birth certificate or legal certificate, has an apostille, it indicates that it is a genuine and officially recognized document which is accepted in foreign jurisdictions. By obtaining an apostille, individuals or entities can facilitate the process of having documents recognized abroad, ensuring that there is no need for additional legalization procedures through embassies or consulates.

In the context of the other options, while a birth certificate and a death certificate may require various forms of verification or authentication, they do not specifically pertain to the use of an apostille unless the document is being used internationally. The documentation of funeral service arrangements does not involve an apostille, as it typically pertains to domestic processes and regulations. Thus, the function of an apostille is specifically related to the legalization of documents for use in other countries.