International Notarization

Plan the signing around where your document will be used. When a document crosses borders, the first question is not simply where to find a notary. It is what the receiving organization will accept: who must sign, which notarial act it requires, whether electronic signing is permitted and whether an apostille or other authentication is needed.

Contact Miami Dade Apostille before signing or mailing your document. Describe its origin and destination so we can review the service requirements and identify what needs confirmation with the recipient.

What does international notarization mean?

"International notarization" describes a cross-border document need, not one universal notarial certificate accepted everywhere. A Florida notarization, an act performed by an authorized professional in another country and a U.S. consular notarial act are different routes. The appropriate route depends on the document, location and recipient.

An apostille or authentication may be a later step. It does not convert the service provider into a government authority or supply legal advice about the underlying document. (Florida DOS Apostille FAQ; Florida DOS Authentication Instructions)

Start with the document's direction of travel

A U.S. document going abroad

Identify who issued it or whose signature needs notarization. A private statement may need a notarial act; an official public record may instead need the correct certified version. Florida, another U.S. state and the federal government have different authentication responsibilities.

Do not add notarization to an official record just because it will be used internationally. Federal apostille guidance specifically warns against notarizing the original federal document. (U.S. DOS — Preparing a Document for an Apostille)

A foreign document coming to the United States

Ask the U.S. recipient which foreign notarial acts and authentication it accepts. A locally notarized document may need authentication through the applicable authority in its place of origin. A Florida service cannot simply turn a foreign public record into a Florida-issued record.

A person signing in a different country from the recipient

The signing location and destination can differ. An eligible Florida online session may be an option, but it is not the only route and it is not appropriate for every purpose. Tell us whether the recipient requires a local, consular or particular state notarial act before you book. See our page on remote online notarization outside the United States for more detail.

Compare the possible signing routes

Florida notarization, including eligible online sessions

A Florida act may be suitable where the document and recipient's requirements permit it. Remote online notarization also requires an eligible signer, acceptable identity verification and a supported platform workflow. A Florida online notary public must remain physically in Florida. (Florida Statutes §117.265)

A professional authorized in the foreign jurisdiction

If the recipient requires a local legal instrument or local professional, a Florida notarial act may not substitute. Obtain qualified advice in that jurisdiction where legal drafting, legal effect or representation is involved. Miami Dade Apostille does not claim those foreign professional powers.

A U.S. embassy or consulate

A consular appointment may be relevant for a document requiring that route. Check the specific post's instructions and the recipient's requirements. U.S. State Department guidance says consular notarial services require in-person appearance and are not provided remotely. (U.S. DOS — Notarial Services Abroad)

Notarization, apostille and legalization are separate questions

Notarization addresses the specified notarial act. An apostille authenticates the relevant official or notary signature for the Convention process; only a designated competent authority issues it. For a destination outside the applicable Apostille Convention route, a different authentication/legalization chain may be needed. (HCCH Apostille Section)

Neither an apostille nor notarization guarantees that your document contains the right language, creates the intended legal rights or meets every receiving organization's requirement. Ask the recipient or qualified legal adviser to resolve those issues before the service appointment. See also our online apostille services page.

Document format and translation matter

Tell us whether the recipient wants an electronic original, a paper original, an official certified copy or a translated package. A scanned PDF is not automatically a substitute for the required original, and a scan of a paper apostille is not an official e-Apostille.

Confirm translation requirements separately, including who may translate and whether the translation needs a particular certification. Do not assume that notarizing a signature verifies the accuracy of the document's contents or translation.

Bring the requirements, not just the document

For an initial service review, provide:

• Document type and issuing country, state or agency.
• Signing country and number of signers.
• Destination country and receiving organization.
• The recipient's notarization, witness and authentication instructions.
• Required language and delivery format.

Frequently asked questions