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Free guideUnderstanding Apostilles and Document Authentication in Florida
A free, plain-English overview of apostilles and document authentication for Florida documents going abroad.
What’s in the guide
An apostille is a certificate from the Florida Secretary of State that verifies the signature and seal of the Florida official on a public document, such as a notarized document or a certified vital record, so it will be accepted in another Hague Convention country. Documents headed to a non-Hague country receive a Certificate of Notarial Authority instead, followed by legalization at that country’s embassy or consulate.
This guide covers which documents Florida can and cannot certify, what a complete Florida notarial certificate includes, how to submit a request to the Department of State, and the most common reasons requests are rejected. It links to the Florida Statutes, the Department of State, and the Hague Conference so you can read the sources yourself.
What the 7-page guide covers
- What an Apostille Is
- Apostille vs. Authentication (Certificate of Notarial Authority)
- Which Documents Florida Can Apostille — and Which It Cannot
- Getting a Document Ready — The Notarization Step
- How to Submit a Request to the Florida Department of State
- Common Reasons Requests Are Rejected
- Common Documents Floridians Have Apostilled
- Do Your Own Research — Primary Sources
- Required Disclosures
Need a document notarized before you request an apostille? See notary services, or call or text 772-321-2290.
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Ready to start your paperwork?
Fill out the Apostille request intake form, or call or text 772-321-2290. Your document is prepared from the information you provide in writing. See mobile notary services.
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I am not an attorney. I am a nonlawyer document preparer and provide document preparation only, at your direction. I cannot give legal advice. This guide is educational information only.
Prepared by Jonathan Rexford, Nonlawyer Document Preparer and Florida Notary Public, Vero Beach, Florida · 772-321-2290 · jonathan@notarynearmenow.com