DOCUMENT APOSTILLE GUIDE
Florida State & Local Background Checks 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
Obtain the Background Check
Request a Florida criminal history background check from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or an eligible local law enforcement agency.
Request a Certified Record
For FDLE background checks, select the Certified/Non-Certified Search service and request certified results suitable for apostille processing.
Verify the Document
Ensure the background check includes the required official certification, signature, or notarization that can be authenticated by the Florida Department of State.
Local Police Background Checks
For documents issued by a Florida police department or sheriff's office, confirm that the agency can provide an original certified or properly notarized record acceptable for apostille processing.
Avoid Uncertified Online Results
Standard FDLE Instant Search results are not certified and should not be submitted as certified official records.
Submit for Apostille
Submit the eligible original certified or properly notarized document to the Florida Department of State.
Important Restrictions
FBI background checks are federal documents and require apostille processing through the U.S. Department of State, not the Florida Department of State.
Required Certification
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records
Request a certified Florida criminal history background check through FDLE's Certified/Non-Certified Search service.
FDLE states that results from this service can be notarized. Before submission, confirm that the issued document contains an eligible original notarization or official certification acceptable to the Florida Department of State.
Standard FDLE Instant Search results are not certified and are not a substitute for a certified background check.
Local Law Enforcement Records
Background checks issued by Florida police departments or sheriff's offices must contain an eligible original official certification or a properly executed Florida notarization.
Official Signature
The document must bear a signature that the Florida Department of State is authorized and able to authenticate.
Notarized Documents
If notarization is used, the document must contain a complete English-language notarial certificate, the original signature of the Florida notary, and the required official seal.
Original Document Requirement
Submit the original certified or properly notarized background check. Ordinary photocopies and uncertified online search results are not acceptable substitutes.
FBI Background Checks
FBI Identity History Summary reports are federal records and must be apostilled through the U.S. Department of State.
Important Note
An apostille authenticates the official or notarial signature. It does not verify the accuracy or completeness of the criminal history information.