Common Documents That Require an Apostille: A Comprehensive Guide
Almost any public document — or privately issued document that has been notarized — can be apostilled. But some document types are requested far more often than others. This guide covers the most common documents Miami Dade Apostille processes, organized by category.
Related: Check requirements by country
Vital Records
- Birth certificates: The most frequently apostilled document. Required for citizenship applications, school enrollment abroad, marriage in a foreign country, and many immigration processes. Must be a certified copy from the issuing county or state vital records office — not a photocopy.
- Marriage certificates: Required for name change processes abroad, spousal visa applications, and legal recognition of marriage in a foreign country.
- Death certificates: Required for estate proceedings, inheritance claims, and pension or insurance claims in foreign countries.
- Divorce decrees: Required for remarriage abroad and legal proceedings involving marital status in a foreign country.
Background Checks and Criminal Records
- FBI Identity History Summary: The federal background check letter. Required for work visas, residency applications, and background checks in many countries. Must be apostilled by the US Department of State — not a state Secretary of State.
- State criminal record certificates: Issued by state law enforcement agencies. Apostilled by the Secretary of State of the issuing state.
Educational Documents
- University diplomas: Must be notarized before apostille. The notary certifies the diploma's authenticity; the state then apostilles the notary's signature.
- Academic transcripts: Official transcripts from the registrar's office. May require notarization depending on the destination country's requirements.
- Professional certifications and licenses: Issued by state licensing boards. Apostilled by the Secretary of State of the issuing state.
Legal Documents
- Powers of attorney: Must be notarized before apostille. Commonly required for real estate transactions, banking, and legal proceedings abroad.
- Affidavits and sworn statements: Notarized affidavits can be apostilled for use in foreign legal proceedings.
- Court records and judgments: Certified copies of court records can be apostilled for recognition in foreign courts.
Corporate and Business Documents
- Articles of incorporation and certificates of good standing: Issued by the Secretary of State. Apostilled by the same authority.
- Corporate resolutions: Must be notarized before apostille.
- Trademark and patent documents: Federal documents apostilled by the US Department of State.
Federal Documents
Documents issued by federal agencies — the FBI, federal courts, federal licensing bodies — must be apostilled by the US Department of State, not a state Secretary of State. This is one of the most common errors in DIY apostille attempts.
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