Apostille FAQs Answered: Everything You Need to Know
Miami Dade Apostille answers hundreds of apostille questions every month. These are the questions we hear most often — answered clearly and without jargon.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by a competent authority that authenticates the signature and seal of a public official on a document. It is the internationally recognized method for making a document issued in one country legally valid in another, for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Who issues apostilles in Florida?
The Florida Department of State issues apostilles for Florida-issued documents. For federal documents (FBI background checks, federal court records), the US Department of State in Washington, DC issues the apostille.
What documents can be apostilled?
Any public document can be apostilled — meaning documents issued by a government authority or notarized by a notary public. Common examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, powers of attorney, diplomas (after notarization), FBI background checks, corporate documents, and court records.
Can a photocopy be apostilled?
Generally, no. The document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the relevant authority. A photocopy, even if notarized, is typically not accepted for apostille. There are narrow exceptions — contact Miami Dade Apostille to confirm for your specific document.
How long does an apostille take?
Standard Florida apostille processing takes several business days through the Secretary of State's office. Rush options may be available. Federal apostilles (US Department of State) have their own processing times. Miami Dade Apostille advises on the fastest available path for your deadline.
Does an apostille translate my document?
No. An apostille certifies the authenticity of the official's signature — it does not translate the document's content. If the destination country requires the document in its official language, a certified translation is a separate step.
My document was issued in another state. Can Florida apostille it?
No. The apostille must come from the state where the document was issued. A California birth certificate must be apostilled by California; a New York notarized document by New York. Miami Dade Apostille coordinates apostilles for documents issued in all 50 states.
What if my destination country is not in the Hague Convention?
Countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention — such as the UAE, Cuba, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, and Jordan — require embassy legalization instead of an apostille. This is a multi-step process involving state authentication, federal authentication, and legalization by the destination country's embassy. Miami Dade Apostille handles embassy legalization. Check requirements by country.
Do I need to visit your office?
No. Most apostille requests can be handled entirely by mail or courier. Send us a scan of your document for a free review, then mail the original. We coordinate the rest and return the apostilled document to you.
How much does an apostille cost?
The cost includes the state fee (set by the Secretary of State), Miami Dade Apostille's coordination fee, and return shipping. Costs vary by document type, state, and turnaround time. Call 1-800-631-9171 for a quote on your specific document.
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