Apostilles for International Documents: What You Need to Know Before Sending Paperwork Abroad

When life or business takes you across international borders, you may be surprised to learn that your documents—no matter how official they seem in the United States—might not be recognized overseas without an added layer of verification. That’s where apostilles come in.

Whether you’re getting married in Spain, buying property in Italy, adopting a child from Colombia, or expanding your business into Brazil, apostille documents are essential for ensuring your paperwork is legally accepted in another country.

At A Notary On The Go Florida, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses obtain Apostilles for International Documents—efficiently and correctly.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about apostille documents, why they’re important, how to get them in Florida, and how we make the process simple for you.

What Types of Documents Require an Apostille?

The types of apostille documents you might need will depend on your reason for conducting business or personal affairs internationally. Common document types include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Death certificates
• Power of attorney documents
• Diplomas and transcripts
• Adoption papers
• Business documents (Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, etc.)
• Affidavits
• Background checks (FBI or state-level)

If the document was issued in the U.S. and is intended for use in a foreign country that is part of the Hague Convention, it will likely need an apostille.

Which Countries Accept Apostilles?

Apostilles are only valid between countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention. As of 2025, over 120 countries are members, including:

• France
• Italy
• Mexico
• South Korea
• Germany
• Japan
• Spain
• Australia
• Brazil
• South Africa

If you’re unsure whether the country where you’re sending documents accepts apostilles, A Notary On The Go Florida can check that for you.

For countries that are not part of the Hague Convention—such as China, Canada, or the United Arab Emirates—you may need a different form of authentication. We can also advise you on those steps.

Who Issues Apostilles in Florida?

In Florida, the only agency authorized to issue apostilles is the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. This means that all apostille requests for Florida-issued documents—whether personal, legal, or business-related—must go through this central state agency.

As a result, Floridians who live far from Tallahassee often face a logistical challenge. That’s where we come in.

Why Choose A Notary On The Go Florida?

At A Notary On The Go Florida, we take the stress and confusion out of the apostille process.

Here’s how we help:

• We come to you: We’re a mobile notary service, so we meet you where it’s convenient.
• We handle the shipping: We send your documents securely to the Florida Secretary of State in Tallahassee.
• We manage every detail: From notarizing your paperwork to ensuring all requirements are met, we oversee the entire apostille process.
• We offer quick turnaround times: Our clients value speed, especially when time-sensitive international matters are on the line.

Whether you’re in Palm Harbor, Tallahassee, or anywhere in between, you don’t have to figure this out alone—we’re here to help you get your apostille documents without the hassle.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Apostilles for International Documents in Florida

Here’s what the typical process looks like when you work with us:

1. Identify the Documents You Need Apostilled

We’ll help you review your situation to determine which documents need apostilles. It’s important to make sure you’re using the original or certified copy, depending on what the Florida Department of State requires.

2. Schedule a Notary Appointment (If Needed)

Some documents may need to be notarized before they can be apostilled. As licensed Florida notaries, we’ll meet with you at your home, workplace, or another location of your choice to handle the notarization.

3. We Submit Your Documents to the State

Once your documents are ready, we ship them to the Florida Secretary of State’s Apostille Section for processing. We’ll handle the paperwork and payment details for you.

4. We Return Your Apostilled Documents

After the apostille is affixed, we’ll securely deliver or mail the documents back to you—fully authenticated and ready for use abroad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting Apostille Documents

Getting Apostilles for International Documents isn’t always simple, especially if you try to do it yourself. Here are some frequent mistakes we help our clients avoid:

• Sending the wrong type of copy (e.g., photocopies instead of certified originals)
• Using documents issued in the wrong state (Florida can only apostille documents issued here)
• Missing notarizations when required
• Not knowing if the destination country accepts apostilles
• Shipping to the wrong agency or address

Letting an expert handle this process helps you avoid delays or rejections.

How Long Does It Take?

Standard processing at the Florida Department of State can take anywhere from 5 to 15 business days, depending on their current volume. Expedited options are limited, but A Notary On The Go Florida helps move your request through as quickly as possible by:

• Pre-checking documents for completeness
• Using tracked, priority shipping
• Providing real-time updates so you know where everything stands

When Should You Start the Apostille Process?

Ideally, start the process at least 3 to 4 weeks before your documents are needed overseas. This gives enough time to resolve any unexpected delays.

However, if you’re on a tight deadline, reach out. We can often expedite mobile notary appointments and provide same-day shipping to the Secretary of State.

Apostille Services for Individuals and Businesses

We serve both individuals and companies throughout Florida with trusted, professional apostille services. Here’s a closer look:

Individuals:

• Students studying abroad
• Couples marrying overseas
• Citizens needing birth certificate apostilles
• Families involved in international adoption

Businesses:

• Expanding internationally
• Legalizing contracts or power of attorney for overseas partners
• Certifying Articles of Incorporation or Certificates of Good Standing
• Verifying background checks for international employees

No matter the situation, we ensure your apostille documents are handled quickly, securely, and professionally.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Paperwork Hold You Back

If your life or work is taking you international, your documents need to follow the rules—and apostille documents are often the key to making that happen.

At A Notary On The Go Florida, we make the process easy and efficient. From notarization to apostille certification, we’re your one-stop partner for international document preparation in Florida.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today and let’s get your documents ready for international use. We’re here to make your paperwork seamless—so you can focus on what matters most.