Apostille Help: What Documents Can Be Apostilled?

An apostille is a certification that allows a document issued in the United States to be recognized for international use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

An apostille does not verify the contents of a document. It verifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or issuing authority.

Florida apostilles apply to documents issued in Florida, such as:

• Birth certificates
   
• Marriage certificates
   
• Divorce decrees
   
• School records issued in Florida
   
• Notarized documents signed in Florida
   

These are processed through the Florida Department of State.

Federal apostilles apply to federal documents, such as:

• FBI background checks
   
• Federal court documents
   
• Certain federally issued records
   

Federal apostilles are processed through the U.S. Department of State and have longer processing times.

Depending on where they were issued, common documents include:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
   
• Divorce or marital dissolution records
   
• Diplomas and transcripts
   
• Powers of attorney
   
• Affidavits and sworn statements
   
• FBI background checks (federal apostille)
  .

Some documents must be properly notarized before they can be apostilled, including:

• Letters
   
• Affidavits
   
• Authorizations
   
• Business or corporate documents
   

Not all notarizations qualify. Incorrect notarization is a common reason for rejection.

Some countries require an FBI background check with a federal apostille, especially for:

• Residency
   
• Immigration
   
• Employment abroad
   
• Long-term visas
   

In these cases, the FBI background check must be completed before the apostille process can begin.

If you are unsure:

• Whether your document qualifies
   
• Whether it is state or federal
   
• Whether notarization is required first
   

Do not guess and do not book blindly.

Contact us before booking so we can help identify the correct process.

No. The document must be properly issued and meet state or federal requirements.

No. The notarization must meet specific standards depending on where the document was signed.

How do I know if I need a state or federal apostille?

It depends on who issued the document, not where it will be used.

No. Submitting the wrong document or using the wrong process often causes delays or rejection.

Not sure which apostille you need? Contact us before booking.