Apostille or Notarial Certificates

Foreign embassies or consulates often need a special certificate called an apostille or a notarial certificate for vital records.

An apostille is a type of certificate created by the 1961 Hague Convention to verify the authenticity of an official's signature for its member countries.

Countries that are not members of the 1961 Hague Convention get notarial certificates, which also verify the official's signature.

Note: Contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country where you will use the certificate to find out their requirements, before submitting the application.

Obtaining an Apostille or Notarial Certificate is a two-step process:

Step 1: 

• Check the Birth Certificate page for who is eligible to apply.
• Download and complete the Application for Florida Birth Certificate (For the Purpose of Obtaining an Apostille or Notarial Certificate.
• You must accompany the application with:
  • Copy of your ID.
  • Proper fee amount. Check the “Fees” section of the Application
  • Other documents, if required for proof of eligibility.
• For mailing options and other instructions, read the second page of the Application

You can also order online at VitalChek.com

If you need assistance, call the Apostille Unit at 904-359-6900.

Step 2:

Once you have the vital record certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, send it to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations to get the Apostille or Notarial Certificate.

For details on their application process, requirements, processing time, and fees, visit DOS.MyFlorida.com or call 850-245-6945