How to Get an Apostille For a Florida School Document

If you need to use your Florida school records — such as a transcript, diploma, or letter of enrollment — in another country, you’ll likely be asked to provide an apostille. An apostille school transcript certifies the authenticity of the document so it will be legally recognized abroad, but the process to get one depends on whether your school is public or private.

At A Notary On The Go Florida, we help individuals and families navigate the Florida apostille certification process so their documents meet the Florida Department of State’s requirements and are processed quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do to get a school transcript apostille in Florida — and how the steps differ for public and private schools.

What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need It for School Documents?

An apostille is an official certification issued by the Florida Department of State that confirms a document is genuine and can be accepted in other countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

For school-related documents, an apostille may be required for:

• Studying abroad
• Applying to a foreign university
• Visa applications
• Employment in another country
• International student exchange programs

Without an apostille, your school documents might be rejected by foreign institutions, even if they are official.

The Two Types of Florida Schools and Why It Matters

When it comes to getting an apostille school transcript, Florida treats public and private schools differently. The Florida Secretary of State has specific rules for each, which affect how you prepare your documents.

1. Florida Public School Transcripts

If your transcript comes from a Florida public school (such as a district high school or public college), you must follow the state’s two-signature process:

Step 1: School Official Signature

• The transcript must first be signed by an authorized school official (for example, the principal, registrar, or superintendent).
• This signature verifies that the transcript is authentic and issued directly from the school.

Step 2: Notary Signature and Notarial Certificate

• a Florida notary public must witness and notarize the school official signature on the transcrip
• The notarization must include the exact wording required by the State of Florida:

markdown

CopyEdit

STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF ________

 

Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me this _____ day of _____, 20___, by (name of person making statement).

 

(NOTARY SEAL)  (Signature of Notary Public-State of Florida)

(Name of Notary Typed, Printed, or Stamped)

Personally Known ______ OR Produced Identification _______

Type of Identification Produced __________________________

Why Two Signatures?

Florida requires both the school official’s signature and the notary’s certification to ensure the document is official and notarized according to state law. Without both, the Florida Secretary of State will reject your school transcript apostille request.

2. Florida Private School Transcripts

Private school documents follow a slightly different process because they are not issued by the state’s public school system. You have 2 options when getting an apostille for a private florida school.

Step 1: Verification of School Accreditation

• The Secretary of State will only accept private school transcripts from institutions listed in Florida’s official directory of recognized schools.
• If your private school is not recognized, you may need additional documentation proving its legitimacy.

• Have the transcript signed and notarized in the same way as a public school transcript — with the required state wording.

Option 2: Custodial Statement

The documents owner can write a custodial letter and have their signature notarized then attached the transcript to the letter. 

Custodial statement example

Date

I, documents custodian, attest that this is a copy of my school transcripts issued by (name of institution).

 

Signature

 

 

State of Florida

County of 

 

Sworn to and subscribed before me on ___________ by (name of custodian that signed the document) by means of (online or physical) presence.

 

Provided Identification of:

 

Notary sign

Notary stamp

If you choose to do the custodial statement, we can provide online notary service for your custodial statement. Which would allow us to notarize your custodial statement, print the documents so we can take to the Florida Secretary of State and get your apostille. Then we will ship everything back to you.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Florida School Transcript Apostille

Whether your document comes from a public or private school, here’s the complete process:

Step 1: Contact Your School

Request an official transcript and let them know you need it for an apostille. Ask:

• Who is authorized to sign it for apostille purposes?
• Can the school arrange for notarization, or will you need to bring a notary?

Step 2: Get the Required Signatures

• Public schools: School official + notary
• Private schools: School official (if required) + notary

Step 3: Ensure Correct Notary Wording

The notary must use Florida’s official notarial certificate language. Even a small mistake can cause rejection.

Step 4: Receive Your Apostille

If you choose to ship your transcripts directly to the Florida Secretary of state processing times vary but can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on demand and delivery method. You might wait days or weeks to only receive a rejection letter back. That’s where A Notary On The Go Florida’s expert apostille service can help. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for an apostille school transcript, these errors can delay your request:

1. Missing one of the required signatures (especially the school official for public schools)
2. Not using the official Florida notary wording
3. Submitting unofficial copies instead of original signed transcripts
4. Incorrect payment or missing request form
5. School not recognized by the Florida Department of Education (for private schools)

How A Notary On The Go Florida Can Help

Navigating the process for a school transcript apostille can be confusing — especially if you’re on a deadline. At A Notary On The Go Florida, we make it simple:

• Mobile Notary Services: We come to your location to notarize your transcript with the correct Florida wording.
• Document Review: We ensure your transcript meets the two-signature requirement (for public schools) before you send it to Tallahassee.
• Tallahassee Apostille Courier Service: We can hand-deliver your documents to the Florida Secretary of State’s office in Tallahassee for faster processing, saving you the time and hassle of mailing.

Our goal is to make sure your apostille school transcript request is correct the first time, so you don’t risk rejection or delays.

Final Tips Before You Apply

• Plan ahead — if you’re applying to a foreign school, check their deadlines and start the apostille process early.
• Verify your country’s requirements — some countries require extra authentication steps beyond the apostille.
• Use an experienced notary — one who knows Florida’s apostille rules can prevent costly errors.

Bottom Line

Getting a school transcript apostille in Florida is straightforward once you understand the difference between public and private school requirements. Public school transcripts need two signatures — one from the school and one from a notary — with precise notary wording. Private school transcripts must come from a recognized institution and be notarized properly before submission.

A Notary On The Go Florida can handle both the notarization and the apostille submission process, so your documents are ready for international use — quickly, correctly, and without stress. Contact us today to learn more!