Common Documents That Require Apostille Certification

Apostille requests cover a wide range of document types, but certain categories account for the vast majority of requests. Understanding which documents most commonly require apostilles — and what each process involves — helps you prepare efficiently.

Vital Records

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates are among the most frequently apostilled documents. All require certified copies issued by the government agency — not photocopies or hospital-issued certificates. Florida vital records are apostilled by the Florida Secretary of State.

• Birth certificates: Dual citizenship, foreign marriage, visa applications, school enrollment abroad. Full guide.
• Marriage certificates: Name change abroad, spousal visa, inheritance proceedings, foreign residency. Full guide.
• Death certificates: Estate proceedings, pension claims, insurance claims abroad.

FBI Background Checks

FBI Identity History Summary checks (FBI background checks) are required for foreign visa applications, residency permits, digital nomad visas, and professional license applications abroad. These are federal documents and must be apostilled by the US Department of State — not the Florida Secretary of State. Full FBI apostille guide.

Educational Documents

Diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates must be notarized by a Florida notary public before apostille. They are commonly required for foreign university enrollment, professional license recognition, and employment abroad. Full educational documents guide.

Powers of Attorney

Powers of attorney for use abroad — authorizing someone to act on your behalf in a foreign country for real estate, legal, or financial matters — must be notarized and apostilled. Full POA apostille guide.

Corporate Documents

Certificates of good standing, articles of incorporation, and certificates of incumbency are commonly required for opening foreign bank accounts, registering foreign subsidiaries, and executing cross-border contracts. Full corporate documents guide.

Court Records

Divorce decrees, court judgments, and criminal records are frequently required for foreign residency applications, remarriage abroad, and estate proceedings. Court records must be certified copies from the clerk of court before apostille.

Naturalization Certificates

US naturalization certificates are federal documents issued by USCIS. They must be apostilled by the US Department of State. They are commonly required for dual citizenship applications and foreign government proceedings.

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