A Florida marriage certificate is legal proof that two individuals are officially married in the state of Florida. While this document is valid in the U.S., if you need to use it overseas for immigration, visa, or legal purposes, you will likely need to get an apostille.
An apostille certifies that your marriage certificate is genuine and has been signed by a recognized public official in Florida. This certification allows foreign governments in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention to accept your document without needing further legalization. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of getting your Florida marriage certificate apostille in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Common Reasons for an Apostille Marriage Certificate in Florida
You might need an apostille for your Florida marriage certificate in many international situations, such as:
- Applying for a visa (student, spouse, work)
- Proving marital status in a foreign country
- Living or traveling abroad as a married couple
- Applying for your child’s passport
- Dual citizenship applications
- Adoption paperwork
- Legal or property-related matters
What Documents Are Required for a Florida Apostille on a Marriage Certificate?
To apostille a marriage certificate in Florida, you only need two things:
- An original certified copy of your marriage certificate
- A completed apostille request form
The apostille process in Florida is relatively simple compared to traditional document legalization methods. It involves fewer documents, less verification, and faster processing times.
How to Request a Certified Copy of a Florida Marriage Certificate?
Before you can request an apostille, you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Older versions or copies issued more than 5 years ago may not be accepted.
Here’s how to get one:
- Request from the Florida Department of Health or
- Contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where your marriage was registered
You can also use online services like VitalCheck to request it from home. Just make sure the copy you receive has the correct seal and signature of a Florida public official.
Ways to Apply for a Florida Marriage Certificate Apostille
1. In Person: You can visit the Florida Department of State office in Tallahassee to drop off your documents for processing. Bring your certified copy of your marriage certificate, a signed apostille request form, and payment (check or money order included). This option is good for people who live nearby or can make the trip, but be ready for potential wait times due to a lot of applications.
2. By Mail: This is the most common use method. Simply mail a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a signed apostille request form, payment (check or money order payable to the Florida Department of State), and a self-addressed envelope with postage to facilitate return. Also, verify the mailing address and current fee schedule on the Florida Department of State's official website.
3. Via Third-Party Apostille Service: Third, you can use a third-party apostille service like Globeia. This is the easiest and fastest option, especially if you're outside Florida or overseas. Globeia handles everything for you, like filling out forms, submitting documents, and even offering bundled options if you have multiple documents. While they do charge an extra fee, they can save you time and reduce the risk of errors or delays.
How Long Does It Take to Apostille a Florida Marriage Certificate?
Processing time depends on your method of submission:
- By Mail: May take up to 30 business days, plus mailing time.
- In Person: Processing varies and can still take up to 30 days, depending on request volume
- Third-Party Services: Many offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Contact them for more information.
Always plan and consider current processing times posted on the Florida Department of State’s website.
Final Thoughts
At last, there are four basic steps to getting a Florida marriage certificate apostille. First, you will need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate, fill out the official request form, select how you will submit the request (by mail, in person, or through a third party), and pay the fee. Globeia provides professional apostille services in Florida and has deep expertise in handling documents carefully, eliminating mistakes, and reducing the chance of rejection. They also handle mailing, tracking, and any personal visits helping to save you time and energy.