DOCUMENT APOSTILLE GUIDE
Florida Vital Records 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 an Official Certified Copy
Request an official certified copy of the Florida birth, death, marriage, or dissolution of marriage certificate.
Birth and Death Certificates
Obtain a certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or an authorized County Health Department. The certificate must bear the State Registrar's signature.
Marriage and Divorce Certificates
Obtain an eligible certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics bearing the State Registrar's signature, or an appropriately certified record from the Clerk of the County Courts.
Check Older Records
Florida birth records issued before 2004 may contain limited information. Confirm with the receiving country's embassy or consulate whether the record will be acceptable.
Verify Destination Requirements
Confirm whether the receiving country requires a particular certificate format, additional information, or a translation.
Submit for Apostille
Submit the eligible original certified document to the Florida Department of State for apostille processing.
Important Restrictions
Ordinary photocopies and privately notarized copies of vital records are not accepted as substitutes for official certified records.
Required Certification
Birth Certificates
Florida birth certificates must be issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or an authorized County Health Department and bear the State Registrar's signature.
Death Certificates
Florida death certificates must be issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or an authorized County Health Department and bear the State Registrar's signature.
Marriage Certificates
Submit an eligible Florida marriage certificate signed by the State Registrar or the Clerk of the County Courts.
Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage Certificates
Submit an eligible Florida dissolution of marriage certificate signed by the State Registrar or the Clerk of the County Courts.
Official Signature Verification
The Florida Department of State authenticates the eligible State Registrar or government official's signature.
Original Certified Document
The original certified record must be submitted for apostille processing. Ordinary photocopies and privately notarized copies are not acceptable.
Important Note
Fees charged by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Health Department, or County Clerk are separate from the Florida Department of State apostille fee.
Documents issued outside Florida must generally be apostilled by the appropriate authority in the issuing jurisdiction.