Are you planning to use your Florida documents overseas? You might need an apostille. An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document’s signature, seal, and stamps. It is recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961. If you’re wondering how to get a document apostille in Florida, look no further. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step by step. PT. Jangkar Global Groups
What documents can be apostilled in Florida?
Before we dive into the process, let’s first take a look at the documents that can be apostilled in Florida:
– Birth certificates
– Marriage certificates
– Divorce certificates
– Death certificates
– High school diplomas and transcripts
– College diplomas and transcripts
– Professional licenses
– Powers of attorney
– Notarized documents
– Corporate documents
– Court documents
– And more
As long as the document is issued in Florida and requires authentication for use overseas, it can be apostilled.
Step-by-step guide to getting a document apostille in Florida
Now that you know what documents can be apostilled, let’s get started with the process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Obtain a certified copy of the document
The first step is to obtain a certified copy of the document you want to apostille. This means that you need to obtain a copy of the document that has been certified by the issuing authority. For example, if you need to apostille your birth certificate, you need to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Florida Department of Health.
Step 2: Get the document notarized
Next, you need to get the document notarized. This means that you need to sign the document in front of a notary public and have the notary public notarize it. A notary public is a person authorized by the state to witness and certify documents. You can find a notary public at your local UPS store, bank, or courthouse.
Step 3: Complete the Apostille Request Form
Once you have the certified copy of the document and the notarized document, you need to complete the Apostille Request Form. This form can be downloaded from the Florida Department of State’s website. Make sure you fill out the form completely and accurately.
Step 4: Pay the fee
After completing the Apostille Request Form, you need to pay the fee. The fee for a single document is $10. If you need to apostille multiple documents, there is an additional fee of $10 per document. You can pay the fee online using a credit card or by mail using a check or money order.
Step 5: Mail the documents
Finally, you need to mail the certified copy of the document, the notarized document, the Apostille Request Form, and the payment to the Florida Department of State. Make sure you use a traceable mail service and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your documents.
How long does it take to get a document apostille in Florida?
The processing time for a document apostille in Florida is typically 3-5 business days. However, this may vary depending on the volume of requests received by the Florida Department of State. If you need your document apostilled urgently, you can request expedited service for an additional fee.
Conclusion
Getting a document apostille in Florida may seem daunting at first, but it’s a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. Remember to obtain a certified copy of the document, get it notarized, complete the Apostille Request Form, pay the fee, and mail the documents to the Florida Department of State. With this guide, you’ll be able to use your Florida documents overseas with ease.
