How to Apostille Your Documents in Florida: A Complete Guide

Many countries will require an apostille if you plan to use a Florida document abroad. It’s simply a certificate that verifies your document’s authenticity and reliability. Whether traveling for work, education, legal reasons, or just to start fresh in a new place, this guide will take you through apostilling your documents in Florida.

An apostille is a form of certification that shows a document from Florida is official and can be recognized legally in other countries. It verifies that the document's signature, seal, or stamp is legitimate and that the person who signed it had the proper authority. It simply verifies the document's validity, not its contents. When a document receives an apostille, it becomes legally legitimate in any country that has signed the Hague Apostille Convention.

Here are some reasons why a Florida apostille is necessary when using documents in foreign countries.

• An apostille confirms that a Florida document is authentic and legally accepted.
• Many foreign governments demand apostilles before accepting US documentation.
• Apostilles make the legalization procedure easier by removing complex embassy authentication.
• Apostilles are required to use birth certificates, school records, powers of attorney, and other international documents.
• Apostilles lower the chance that documents will be fake or rejected when you take them abroad.
• An apostille makes sure that foreign agreements and legal standards are followed.

Here’s a list of the most common documents that can be certified with an apostille in Florida:

1. Birth Certificates 

   Birth records are issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or the County Health Department and must be signed by the State Registrar.

2. Death Certificates 

   Like birth certificates, the proper Florida authority must issue and sign these.

3. Marriage Certificates 

   These are accepted from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or the Clerk of the County Courts.

4. Divorce Certificates 

   Also known as dissolution of marriage documents, these must be from an official Florida agency. 

5. School Transcripts & Diplomas 

   Whether you’re dealing with public or private schools, these transcripts and diplomas must be notarized and include a thorough notarial statement in English.

6. Notarized Documents 

   This includes powers of attorney, affidavits, and personal letters. Just ensure that the notarization follows Florida’s guidelines.

7. Vehicle Titles 

   These need to be certified by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

8. Business Documents 

   This includes Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, and other certified business records from the Florida Secretary of State. 

    

To get a Florida state apostille, your document needs to fulfill some requirements, which are listed below: 

• First, your document must be issued in Florida or notarized by a Florida notary.
• Make sure you send the original document or a certified copy, with no photocopies unless specifically allowed.
• It should include a complete notarial statement in English if it's notarized. 
• Don’t forget to attach the filled-out Apostille Request Form from the Florida Department of State. 
• Also, be sure to include the correct payment receipt. 
• Add a self-addressed stamped envelope or a prepaid return for easy return. 
• Check that all names, signatures, and seals are clear and accurate. 
• Double-check everything before you mail it off to avoid any delays.

Once your request is approved, your document will receive the official Florida apostille stamp.

In Florida, you have three main options for getting an apostille: by mail, in person, or through a third-party service. Each method is designed to fit different needs and timelines.

1. Walk In

The quickest way to get an apostille if you live close to Tallahassee is to stroll in. To begin, fill out the apostille request form, collect the required paperwork, and pay. Next, go in person to the Apostille Section of the Florida Department of State, located at 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

2. Mail-In Submission

The other option is using the mail service. It is the best for the person who is not in Tallahassee or doesn’t want to travel. For this, you need to fill out the official apostille request form, include the original certified or properly notarized document, and don’t forget to add a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your payment receipt.

3. Third-Party Service 

The other option is using the third-party service providers. These services handle the whole process on your behalf from the Florida DOS. Many companies even offer fast processing and tracking options, which can reduce waiting time. This is particularly helpful for people living abroad or anyone who doesn’t want to get into the hassle of paperwork. Select a reliable third-party service that understands Florida's apostille requirements to ensure everything goes smoothly.

The price for obtaining an apostille in Florida is quite affordable. There’s a small processing fee that varies based on the document type you’re submitting, especially if it’s certified by a Clerk of the Court. Although the fee is minimal, it’s important to carefully follow the payment instructions to avoid any delays. Choosing a third-party apostille service can help you get your documents processed faster since they handle all the paperwork on your behalf. While there is an extra fee for their services, a lot of people find it worth it for the convenience and peace of mind it brings.

The Florida Department of State typically takes 1 month to process an apostille request. This may increase, though, if there is a lot of demand or the paperwork is incomplete. Using an authorised third-party apostille service can help ensure faster processing and lower the risk of delays due to errors. 

A Florida apostille is a one-page certificate affixed to the front page of your original document. The apostille lists essential information like:

• The country where the apostille is being issued. 
• The name and title of the person who signed the original document; 
• The official seal of the State of Florida. 
• A distinct apostille number and the date of issuance;

A certified apostille is commonly stapled to the front page of your document and used as official evidence of authentication to make your document legally effective in foreign countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. 

Apostilles make your document officially recognized in foreign countries. As long as you follow the correct steps, getting an apostille from Florida is easy. But if you’re not in Florida or don’t want to deal with the mailing and paperwork, a third-party service can handle everything for you. Globeia is one of those companies that can take the burden off your shoulders by submitting your application to the Florida Department of State for an affordable fee. With the associate partners in every major U.S. city, Globeia can save you time, money, and the headache of handling everything on your own.