Do You Need a Notary Before an Apostille in Florida?
- Gus Oros
- May 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5
One of the most common questions people ask is whether a document needs to be notarized before getting an apostille in Florida.
The answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no — and this is where many people make costly mistakes that delay the entire process.
When Notarization Is Required
Many documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled.
These usually include:
Power of attorney
Affidavits
Authorization letters
Agreements and business documents
In these cases, the notary verifies your identity and confirms that you are signing the document willingly.
When Notarization Is NOT Required
Some documents do not need notarization but must be issued as certified copies by the state.
These include:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
If you try to notarize these instead of using certified copies, your apostille request may be rejected.
Why Notarization Mistakes Cause Delays
Incorrect notarization is one of the top reasons documents are rejected in Florida.
Common issues include:
Missing notarial wording
Incomplete certificates
Illegible stamps or signatures
Incorrect format
If any of these errors are present, your documents can be returned, adding weeks to the timeline.
Need help making sure your document is prepared correctly? We review everything before submission to help prevent delays and rejections.
Florida Apostille Services
Call/Text: 239-273-4708
How to Make Sure Your Document Is Ready
Before sending your document for apostille, confirm:
Whether notarization is required
That the notarization is completed correctly
That you are using the correct document type
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to verify first rather than risk delays.
A Faster and Safer Approach
Handling apostille requests on your own can lead to mistakes, especially when notarization requirements are unclear.
Instead of risking delays, many clients choose to work with a professional service.
We simplify the process by:
Reviewing your documents before submission
Confirming whether notarization is needed
Making sure everything is correct the first time
Our typical turnaround time is 10 business days or less, compared to the state’s timeline, which can take 6 weeks or more if something goes wrong.
Need It Done Faster?
If you’re working with a deadline, faster options may be available depending on your document type.
For rush processing, it’s best to contact us directly so we can review your situation and provide the best option.
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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