Apostille Certifications (Florida)

✅ Florida Apostille Certification: A Simple Guide for International Document Use

If you need to use a Florida-issued public document in another country, you may need an Apostille certification.

An Apostille confirms that your document is official and authentic — and makes it legally valid in any country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

🌍 What Is an Apostille?

An Apostille is an official certificate attached to your document. It proves that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is genuine.

This process is used only between countries that are members of the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (commonly called the Apostille Convention).

📄 What Types of Documents Can Be Apostilled in Florida?

The Florida Department of State can issue Apostilles for many types of official public documents, including:

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Divorce decrees
  • Death certificates
  • Educational diplomas and transcripts
  • Court documents
  • Notarized legal documents

🛑 Note: Personal or private documents (like letters or business contracts) cannot be apostilled unless first notarized.

🛫 Why Do You Need an Apostille?

If you’re sending a Florida public document to a foreign country, many governments will require it to be apostilled to accept it as valid.

The Apostille:

  • Confirms the document is authentic
  • Eliminates the need for further embassy or consulate legalization
  • Speeds up international legal and administrative processes

🔍 Step-by-Step: How to Get an Apostille in Florida

Here’s a basic outline of the Florida Apostille process:

1. Check if the Destination Country Accepts Apostilles

2. Get the Original Document

  • Must be issued by an official Florida agency or properly notarized by a Florida notary public

3. Notarize (if required)

  • Some documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled
  • Ensure the notary stamp and signature are clear and correct

4. Submit to the Florida Department of State

  • Send your document to:
  • Florida Department of State – Division of Corporations – Apostille Section
  • Include:
  • The original document
  • Completed application form
  • Required filing fee
  • Self-addressed return envelope

5. Processing Time

  • Typical turnaround is 10–14 business days
  • Some requests are completed faster; others may take longer

🏛️ Apostille for Federal Documents

For federal documents (like:

  • U.S. Passports
  • FBI background checks
  • Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

You must contact the:

U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.

These documents cannot be apostilled by the Florida Secretary of State.

⚠️ Important Notes

  • An Apostille only verifies the document’s authenticity — it does not confirm that the contents are accurate or truthful.
  • Apostilles are only for use in countries that are Hague Convention members.
  • If your destination country is not a member, you may need to go through a different legalization process via a U.S. consulate or embassy.

✅ Need Help with the Apostille Process?

This process can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re dealing with international deadlines or legal filings.

👉 I can help you:

  • Determine if your document qualifies
  • Guide you through notarization or special federal procedures
  • Make sure your paperwork meets all current requirements

🔗 Resources

Last Revision: March 2025.