Unlocking the Apostille Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The apostille process can seem opaque if you have never done it before. This step-by-step guide demystifies every stage — from identifying what you need to receiving your apostilled document ready for use abroad.

Step 1: Identify Your Document and Destination

Start by identifying the document you need apostilled and the country where it will be used. These two facts determine everything else: which authority issues the apostille, whether a certified copy is needed first, whether notarization is required, and whether a translation is needed.

Miami Dade Apostille's free document review covers all of this. Send a scan and we confirm the complete requirements before you spend any money.

Step 2: Obtain a Certified Copy (If Needed)

Government-issued documents — birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates — must be certified copies issued by the government agency, not photocopies. If you only have a photocopy or an old uncertified copy, you need to obtain a new certified copy from the issuing agency before the apostille process can begin.

• Florida vital records: Florida Department of Health
• Florida court records: Clerk of the relevant court
• FBI background check: FBI Identity History Summary

Step 3: Notarize (If Required)

Privately-issued documents — diplomas, powers of attorney, affidavits, corporate resolutions — must be notarized by a Florida notary public before the Florida Secretary of State can apostille them. The apostille certifies the notary's signature, not the document's content. Miami Dade Apostille provides Florida notary services, including remote online notarization (RON) for clients who cannot appear in person.

Step 4: Submit to the Correct Authority

The document is submitted to the correct authority — the Florida Secretary of State for Florida documents, or the US Department of State for federal documents. Miami Dade Apostille handles submission on your behalf. You do not need to travel to Tallahassee or Washington, DC.

Step 5: Translation (If Required)

If your destination country requires a certified translation, Miami Dade Apostille coordinates translation concurrently with or immediately after the apostille process. The translation covers the full document including the apostille certificate.

Step 6: Receive Your Apostilled Document

The apostilled (and translated, if applicable) document is returned to you by courier or available for pickup at our Miami-Dade office. The document is ready for use at your destination institution.

Ready to move forward? Book an appointment or call us at 1-800-631-9171.