What is the primary purpose of an apostille?

The primary purpose of an apostille is to certify the authenticity of a public document for use internationally. An apostille is a form of certification that validates the origin of a document, ensuring that it is recognized in other countries that are part of the Hague Convention. This certification process involves affixing a special seal or stamp, which acts as proof that the document has been issued by a competent authority, such as a government agency or a notary public.

Given the global nature of various documents and transactions, the apostille is critical for individuals or entities needing to use legal documents abroad, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, or court judgments. The international acceptance of an apostille reduces the need for further authentication procedures in foreign jurisdictions, thereby streamlining the process for users.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of an apostille. For instance, while authorizing a notary public pertains to their ability to perform certain legal functions, it is not related to the international certification of documents. Similarly, validating a contract or verifying a witness's identity involves different legal processes not connected with the apostille mechanism.