Editorial
Apostille
Definition
A certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 1961 authenticating the origin of a public document — the signature, the capacity of the signatory and any seal — so that it is accepted in other contracting states without further legalisation.
In plain English: A stamp that makes an official document from one country acceptable in another, without going through an embassy.
A general definition, not tied to any jurisdiction. Check the meaning in the system that governs your matter before relying on it.
Usage
Only for states party to the Convention. For others, consular legalisation is still required, which takes considerably longer.