Ensuring Correct Florida Notary Verbiage for a Successful Apostille Process

February 19, 2025

Notary verbiage

When seeking a Florida Apostille, ensuring that your notarized documents contain the correct notary verbiage is crucial. Many people experience frustrating delays due to improper notarization, often resulting in their documents being rejected by the Florida Secretary of State. Understanding the required Florida notary wording can save time, money, and stress while expediting the apostille process.

Why Correct Notary Verbiage Matters for Florida Apostille Services

Apostilles are essential for authenticating documents for international use. However, if the notarization does not adhere to Florida’s notary wording requirements, the Secretary of State will reject the apostille request. This can cause significant delays, especially for those who need their documents quickly for travel, business, or legal matters.

Incorrect notarial wording is a common mistake, often made by inexperienced or untrained notaries. Errors can include missing acknowledgments, incorrect jurat statements, or failing to meet Florida’s specific notary verbiage requirements. To prevent these issues, it is essential to use the proper notarial wording outlined by the Florida Department of State.

Common Notary Errors That Lead to Apostille Rejections

Many individuals assume that any notarization is sufficient for an apostille, but that is not the case. Below are common errors that can result in document rejection:

  1. Missing or Incorrect Notary Certificate – The notarial certificate must include the correct notary verbiage based on the type of notarization performed.
  2. Omitting Required Information – Florida requires specific details, such as the notary’s printed name, signature, and commission expiration date.
  3. Improper Use of a Notary Stamp – A notary’s seal must be legible and correctly placed. Smudged or incomplete stamps can cause issues.
  4. Failure to Administer the Proper Notarial Act – Notaries must ensure that they are performing the appropriate notarization, such as an acknowledgment or jurat, based on the document’s needs.
  5. Notarizing an Incomplete Document – The document must be fully completed before notarization. A notary cannot notarize blank or incomplete sections.

Florida’s Required Notarial Verbiage

To avoid apostille rejections, all notarized documents must contain the proper Florida notary verbiage. The Florida Department of State provides guidelines on the correct notarial wording, which must be included in every notarized document submitted for an apostille.

Below are examples of the required notary verbiage:

Acknowledgment (Individual) Notary Verbiage:

“STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF ________ The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ (date) by (name of person acknowledging), who is personally known to me or who has produced (type of identification) as identification.”

Jurat (Oath or Affirmation) Notary Verbiage:

“STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF ________ Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me this ___ (date) by (name of person making statement), who is personally known to me or who has produced (type of identification) as identification.”

The official Florida notary wording must be used exactly as stated. Any deviation, omission, or alteration can result in rejection.

For a complete reference to Florida’s required notary verbiage, visit the official Florida notarial wording page: Florida Notarial Certificates.

How A Notary On The Go Florida Can Help

At A Notary On The Go Florida, we specialize in notary and apostille services, ensuring your documents are correctly notarized before submission. Our experienced notaries review your paperwork for accuracy, saving you from unnecessary delays and expenses caused by incorrect notary verbiage.

Benefits of Using A Notary On The Go Florida:

  • Expert Notary Verification – Our team ensures that the correct Florida notary wording is used before you send your documents for an apostille.
  • Avoid Costly Rejections – We help prevent apostille rejections by checking for missing or incorrect notary wording.
  • Fast and Reliable Service – We provide a streamlined process so you can obtain your apostille without unnecessary setbacks.
  • Mobile Notary Services – If you need notarization at your location, we offer mobile notary services for added convenience.

Steps to Ensure Proper Notarization for Your Apostille

If you are preparing a document for apostille authentication, follow these steps to ensure your notarization is correct:

  1. Choose a Knowledgeable Notary – Ensure the notary understands Florida’s required notary verbiage and proper procedures.
  2. Verify the Correct Notary Certificate – Confirm that your document includes the proper acknowledgment or jurat wording.
  3. Check for Notary Stamp and Signature – Ensure the notary’s seal is clear, and all required information is included.
  4. Use A Notary On The Go Florida for Verification – Before sending your document to the Secretary of State, let us review it for accuracy.
  5. Submit to the Florida Secretary of State – Once verified, send your document for apostille authentication with confidence.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Florida Apostille requires more than just getting a document notarized—it must be notarized correctly with the proper notary verbiage. Many people face unnecessary delays and frustration due to improper notarization, leading to rejected apostille applications.

By working with A Notary On The Go Florida, you can ensure your documents meet Florida’s notarial wording requirements, avoiding costly errors and saving valuable time. Let our professional notaries review your documents before submission to ensure a smooth apostille process.

For reliable notary and apostille services, contact A Notary On The Go Florida today and ensure your documents are notarized correctly the first time!