How to Apostille a Marriage Certificate in Florida
- Gus Oros
- May 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5
If you need to use a marriage certificate outside of the United States, you will likely need an apostille. This is a common requirement for immigration, legal matters, and international documentation.
The process is simple — but only if you use the correct type of document.
Step 1: Get a Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate
To apostille a marriage certificate in Florida, you must use a certified copy issued by the state.
This means:
It must be obtained from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or an authorized agency
It must include an official seal and signature
Photocopies or unofficial copies will not be accepted.
Step 2: Do NOT Notarize the Marriage Certificate
This is one of the most common mistakes.
Marriage certificates:
❌ should NOT be notarized
✅ must remain certified copies
If you notarize a marriage certificate, your apostille request may be rejected and returned.
Need help confirming your document is correct? We review everything before submission to help prevent delays and rejections.
Florida Apostille Services
Call/Text: 239-273-4708
Step 3: Submit the Document for Apostille
Once you have the correct certified copy, the document must be submitted to the Florida Secretary of State.
If you handle it yourself, you will need to:
Mail the document to Tallahassee
Include the required forms and fees
Wait for processing
Receive it back by mail
Standard processing through the state can take 6 weeks or more, especially if any errors are found.
Step 4: Avoid Common Mistakes
Many delays happen due to simple issues, such as:
Using the wrong version of the document
Submitting incomplete paperwork
Not verifying requirements before sending
If your document is rejected, the process must be restarted.
Step 5: Choose a Faster and More Reliable Option
Instead of dealing with long wait times and uncertainty, many people choose a professional apostille service.
We simplify the process by:
Reviewing your marriage certificate before submission
Confirming it meets all Florida requirements
Helping avoid common mistakes
Our typical turnaround time is 10 business days or less, significantly faster than handling it directly through the state.
All completed documents are returned via FedEx with a tracking number, so you always know where your documents are.
Need It Done Faster?
If your documents are time-sensitive, faster processing options may be available.
For urgent requests, contact us directly so we can review your timeline and provide the best solution.
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Ready to get started? We help clients across all Florida counties with a faster, more reliable apostille process.
Upload your documents now or call/text 239-273-4708