DOCUMENT APOSTILLE GUIDE
Florida Notarized Personal Documents Apostille Requirements
Learn how to prepare your document for apostille processing, including applicable notarization requirements, required certifications, and important submission guidelines.
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Preparation Requirements
Eligible Personal Documents
Personal documents such as affidavits, sworn statements, consent letters, authorization letters, and declarations may qualify for a Florida apostille when properly notarized.
Prepare the Document
Prepare the original document and ensure all required information is complete before notarization.
Complete the Notarization
The signer must personally appear before an authorized Florida notary, either physically or through a legally authorized online notarization.
The notary must perform the appropriate notarial act, such as an acknowledgment or jurat, depending on the document.
Review the Notarial Certificate
Ensure the document contains a complete notarial certificate in English, including the required details, notary signature, and official seal.
Submit for Apostille
Submit the original properly notarized document to the Florida Department of State for apostille processing.
Important Restrictions
Florida notaries cannot certify copies of vital records or certain public records when official certified copies are available from the issuing authority.
Confirm whether the receiving country requires additional documentation.
Required Certification
Notarization Requirements
Personal documents such as affidavits, sworn statements, consent letters, and declarations may qualify for a Florida apostille when properly notarized by a commissioned Florida notary public.
The notarial certificate must contain the appropriate notarial act, state and county, date, signer's name, required identification statement, notary's signature, and official seal.
The signer must personally appear before the notary as required by Florida law.
Copy Certification Restrictions
Florida notaries may certify copies of certain documents but cannot certify copies of vital records or public records when official certified copies are available from the record custodian.
Important Note
The apostille authenticates the notary's signature and authority. It does not verify the accuracy or legal validity of the document's contents.