How to Prepare Your Documents for Apostille in Florida
- Gus Oros
- May 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Preparing your documents correctly is the most important part of getting an apostille in Florida. Most delays happen not because of the process itself, but because documents are submitted incorrectly.
If you prepare everything the right way from the start, you can avoid rejection and save weeks of time.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Document
Before doing anything else, determine what type of document you have.
The two main categories are:
Certified documents (issued by the state)
Notarized documents (signed and notarized by a Florida notary)
Using the wrong type is one of the most common mistakes.
Step 2: Use the Correct Version of the Document
Each document type has specific requirements.
Birth, marriage, and death certificates → must be certified copies
Legal and personal documents → usually require proper notarization
Photocopies or incorrect versions are not accepted and will be rejected.
Need help confirming your documents are ready? We review everything before submission to help prevent delays and costly mistakes.
Florida Apostille Services
Call/Text: 239-273-4708
Step 3: Make Sure Notarization Is Done Correctly
If your document requires notarization, it must follow Florida standards.
The notary must:
Complete a proper notarial certificate
Sign clearly
Apply a valid stamp or seal
Even a small mistake can cause your document to be rejected.
Step 4: Check for Missing Information
Before submitting your documents, review everything carefully.
Make sure:
All pages are included
All signatures are present
Names and details are accurate
Missing or incorrect information is a common reason for delays.
Step 5: Confirm Destination Requirements
Different countries may have specific requirements for documents.
Before submitting, verify:
The document format is accepted
The document is current (if required)
An apostille is the correct process
Skipping this step can lead to rejection or additional steps later.
Step 6: Submit the Documents Properly
If you handle the process yourself, you will need to:
Mail your documents to the Florida Secretary of State
Include required forms and fees
Wait for processing
Receive them back by mail
Standard processing through the state can take 6 weeks or more, especially if any corrections are needed.
A Faster and More Reliable Option
Instead of risking delays, many clients choose a more efficient approach.
We simplify the process by:
Reviewing your documents before submission
Confirming all requirements are met
Helping avoid common mistakes
Our typical turnaround time is 10 business days or less, significantly faster than standard state processing.
All completed documents are returned using 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 documents and timeline.
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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