How to Complete an Apostille in Miami

If you live in Miami and are traveling outside the country for different reasons, you’ll need to complete an apostille on your documents. Foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention will only accept your documents if they have the apostille stamp.
Many people in Miami find the apostille process difficult and time-consuming. But with the right understanding and guidance, you can complete it in just easy steps. In this blog, we will break down the apostille process in a few simple steps so you can clearly understand and complete it without confusion or delay.

An apostille in Miami is a special certification that allows your documents to be accepted in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This stamp or certificate confirms that your document is authentic and signed by an authorized official.
If you're sending documents to a country that is not part of the Apostille Convention, you will need to follow a different process called authentication and legalization, which is usually done at the embassy of the destination country in the U.S. Whether it's an apostille or embassy legalization, both processes are essential to make your documents legally valid in foreign countries.

In Miami, people are traveling to other countries for work, education, or personal reasons. Here are common situations where an apostille is required:

• Dual citizenship applications
• Marriage abroad 
• Studying overseas
• Adopting a child from another country
• Employment abroad 
• Starting a new business or opening a foreign branch of a Miami-based business

In all these cases, the receiving country needs to verify that your documents are legitimate, which is why apostilles are essential.

Different types of documents require an apostille in Miami. Here's a breakdown:

1. Vital Records: These include government-issued documents like birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. They must be certified copies issued by the Florida Department of Health or the County Clerk.
2. Educational Documents: School or college documents like transcripts, diplomas, and degrees issued by Miami or Florida institutions. These documents must first be notarized by a Florida notary public before they can be apostilled.
3. Personal Documents: Documents such as the power of attorney, business agreements, or affidavits. These must be notarized by an authorized notary public in Miami. Since they can’t be obtained as certified copies, notarization is necessary for the apostille process.
4. Business Documents: These include articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, and other records obtained from the Florida Department of State. Some privately issued documents may need to be notarized first if certified copies are not available.

Before submitting your documents, make sure they meet Florida's requirements:

• The document must be issued in Miami or Florida to qualify for a Miami apostille.
• It must be an original certified copy (if it’s a vital record), or it must be notarized properly if it’s a personal or business document.
• The notary public must follow correct procedures, including a clear signature, proper acknowledgment language, and an official notary seal.

If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, it’s best to contact the Florida Department of State or hire a professional apostille service in Miami for help.

In Miami, there are three main ways to get the process done. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the way that suits you best.
1. Mailing Your Application to the Florida DOS: This is the most common method for Miami residents since the Florida Department of State has its only office in Tallahassee. You can complete your document apostille by mail. For this, you need to include:

• Your original certified copy of documents or notarized copies
• A completed request form
• A payment payable to the Florida DOS by check or money order
• A self-addressed, prepaid return envelope for the safe return of your documents
• Mail these documents to the Florida Department of State – Division of Corporations. For more details, like the exact address and contact info, visit the Florida DOS website.

2. Walk-In Services: Florida’s Department of State offers walk-in service only at its office in Tallahassee. For Miami residents, you’ll need to travel to Tallahassee and submit your documents in person.
Bring your certified copies or notarized documents along with the completed form. You may need to wait in line for your turn to apply at the Tallahassee office.
3. Using a Third-Party Apostille Service in Miami: If you want to save time and avoid the hassle, hiring a third-party apostille service in Miami is the best option. These companies handle the entire process on your behalf, from checking your documents to submitting them in person in Tallahassee. They will review your documents, help with any needed verification, and may offer priority or same-day service depending on the urgency. This is the most convenient option for:

• People who are not in the USA or Florida
• Busy professionals
• Families needing multiple documents
• Those unfamiliar with the process

While there is an additional fee, many find it worth it for the convenience.

Include the Correct Information on the Apostille Request Form

The next step after choosing your method is to complete the Apostille Request Form correctly. You need to include:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• The destination country where the apostilled document will be used
• Your contact email address and mailing address
• City, state, ZIP code, and phone number
• The number of documents you need apostilled or certified

Include the certified or notarized copies with the completed form, and either mail them or submit them in person to the Florida DOS office along with your payment receipt.

Once your document is submitted, it may take about 30 to 35 business days to complete the apostille, whether submitted in person or by mail. There may be delays due to high volume, public holidays, or mailing issues. Once you receive your Miami apostille, check it for accuracy and store it safely. Apostilles are typically required as physical hard copies. 
If you choose mail service, your completed apostille will be returned via your prepaid return envelope. If you submitted in person, you will be notified when it’s ready.

Handling the process on your own can be time-consuming and confusing, especially if you're facing deadlines or dealing with a lot of paperwork. That’s where third-party apostille services in Miami help. 
Hiring a reputable service like Globeia can significantly simplify the apostille process. It helps you avoid common mistakes, ensures your application is filled out accurately, and saves you valuable time. Additionally, Globeia offers tracking options so you can monitor the status of your request with ease and confidence.
Third-party services can also help you apostille multiple types of documents and guide you through other requirements, such as translations if needed. It’s highly beneficial to hire a third-party service.

Once you understand the apostille process in Miami, it becomes much easier to complete it without issues. The key is to understand the document type, prepare everything properly, choose the right submission method, and wait for your results. 
If you want to avoid submitting documents on your own, hiring third-party services will help. Globeia is a reputable company that not only provides apostille services in Miami but also helps with other U.S. document authentication needs. Contact Globeia for fast, reliable solutions to get your documents apostilled for international use.