Obtaining an apostille on your birth certificate may seem challenging, but understanding the steps will simplify the process. This guide provides everything you need to obtain an apostille service in Florida for your birth certificate, whether you are getting married abroad, pursuing dual citizenship, obtaining a work permit, or conducting international business.
Florida has a diverse population and strong international ties, and hence the high number of apostille request to birth certificates. On average 320 birth certificates require authentication a month.
What Is an Apostille
An apostille is a form of international certification guaranteeing the authenticity of a document. It will confirm that the signature and seal on your birth certificate is genuine and that it is a legally accepted document in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
If your destination country belongs to this convention, you need an apostille. If not, you will need additional authentication through the U.S. Department of State and the affected country’s embassy.
Who Issues Apostilles in Florida
The Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations in Tallahassee issues all apostilles. This office verifies the signatures of state officials, registrars, and court clerks.
The Florida Department of Health provides certified vital records but does not issue apostilles.
Who Can Request an Apostille
- Requests for apostilles on birth certificates can only be made by:
- The person named on the certificate (who is over 18)
- A parent named on the certificate
- A documented legal guardian
- An authorized legal representative
Step 1: Obtain a Certified Birth Certificate
An apostille request first needs a certified birth certificate. For a certificate to be considered certified, it must have a raised seal, the signature of the registrar, and a date.
To order a certified copy, you can go to:
- In person at your nearest Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics office
- By mail using Form DH726 from the Florida Department of Health
- Online through VitalChek, the only authorized provider
Photocopies and digital versions are not accepted. You need an original or state-issued certified copy.
Document Requirements
Your birth certificate must be intact and legible with no tears, stains, or fading. It needs a visible raised, embossed, or multicolored seal along with a clear registrar’s signature. The document must be issued by Florida, as other states must process their own apostilles.
Never notarize your birth certificate. This invalidates it for apostille processing. If you need multiple apostilles, order a separate certified copy for each one.
Step 2: Complete the Request Form
Complete the Apostille or Notarial Certificate Request Form on the Florida Department of State’s website. Make sure to add:
Your contact details
The country the documents will be sent to
The quantity of documents
How you want to receive the documents
Please be sure the country is correct so it is formatted correctly.
Understanding the Complete Cost
| Item | Cost Range |
| Certified Birth Certificate | $9 to $25 |
| Apostille Fee | $10 to $20 |
| Shipping | $15 to $50 |
| Professional Service (optional) | $50 to $150 |
| Total | $34 to $245 |
The standard apostille fee is $10 per document. If your certificate was certified by a Clerk of the Circuit Court, the total may be $20. Payment must be by check or money order to the Florida Department of State.
Step 3: Choose Your Submission Method
| Method | Processing Time | Best For |
| Walk-In | Same day | Urgent needs |
| Courier | 3 to 5 days | Fast processing |
| 7 to 10 days | Planning |
Walk-In Service
Visit the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee for same-day processing. Most requests are completed while you wait, depending on the current workload. This works best if you’re local to Tallahassee or have urgent deadlines.
Mail Submission
Mail your documents to the Florida Department of State, Apostille Section in Tallahassee. Include your certified certificate, completed form, payment, and prepaid return envelope with tracking. This is the most budget-friendly option if you have time to plan.
Use a courier for faster delivery than standard mail. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Keep copies of your documents and shipping receipts for tracking.
Courier Service
Timeline Planning Guide
- If you need it in 1 to 2 days → Walk-in service in Tallahassee
- If you need it in 1 week → Courier service
- If you have 2 to 3 weeks → Standard mail
- If you are living out of state, → Professional service
Common Destination Countries
Florida residents frequently need apostilles for:
- Spain (marriage, residency)
- Italy (dual citizenship)
- Mexico (work permits)
- United Kingdom (education, employment)
- France (business registration)
- Germany (immigration)
Additional steps may include certified translations for apostille documents.
South Florida Assistance
NotaryPlusMore provides florida notary services across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties with mobile notary services. We verify your documents meet all requirements before submission, preventing delays and ensuring everything is correct the first time.
We take care of:
- Document verification
- Form completion
- Courier coordination
- Return envelope preparation
Step 4: Verify Your Document
To make sure everything is in order, look at the apostille page attached to your apostilled certificate to confirm:
- It is sealed
- Your name and date of birth appear correctly
- The destination country matches your needs
- All signatures and seals are clear
Non-Hague Convention Countries
Please keep in mind that some countries are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention. After receiving your Florida apostille, these documents need:
- Authentication by the U.S. Department of State
- Legalization by the destination country’s embassy
Before you begin, check with the embassy to confirm requirements.
Translation Requirements
You will need a certified translation for non-English speaking countries. Apostille the document and then translate it. Requirements vary by country. Some will accept U.S.-based translations, while others require their own certified translators. A few countries need translations apostilled separately.
Confirm requirements with the receiving authority before you submit your documents.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Photocopies instead of certified documents
- Notarizing your birth certificate
- The payment or return envelope is missing
- The wrong destination country is listed
- Sending documents from other states to Florida
- Not ordering enough certified copies
Use trackable delivery and keep confirmation receipts.
When to Use Professional Services
Consider professional apostille services in Florida if you live outside Florida or abroad, have urgent deadlines, need documents sent internationally, or require embassy legalization after apostille. Professional services handle everything from start to finish, saving you time and preventing errors.
NotaryPlusMore handles the complete process for Florida residents and international applicants. Our team manages:
- Document eligibility verification
- Accurate form completion
- Courier coordination
- International shipping
- Non-Hague Convention guidance
Final Thoughts
Getting an apostille for your Florida birth certificate is manageable with the right preparation. You will need to request a certified copy, fill out the request form and choose the way you will submit the documents, then check the document you receive. Make sure to check if the country you are sending the document to is under the Hague Convention. You must never notarize the birth certificate and send only the original or certified copies. If you have apostille services, request multiple copies and plan for the time to process. NotaryPlusMore offers reliable apostille services and notary support throughout South Florida. Our team handles the details so you can focus on your international plans.
