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Florida Birth Certificate

How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in Florida

Oct 10, 2025

Brandon Dee

Preparing to use your birth certificate abroad? Getting a birth certificate apostille in Florida is essential if you need to present your document in another country for education, employment, or family matters. 

The process may seem complex at first, but with the right steps, you can complete it quickly and confidently. This guide walks you through how to apostille a birth certificate in Florida, from obtaining the correct document to receiving your finalized certificate.

Step 1 — Obtain a Certified or Original Birth Certificate

The first step in getting your apostilled birth certificate in Florida is securing an original or certified copy. Apostilles are only granted for birth certificates issued by Florida’s Bureau of Vital Statistics or in conformance with state vital records rules.

If you already have a copy, check whether it’s a state-issued certified copy with the State Registrar’s signature. Certified copies usually include a raised, embossed, or multicolored seal and an official registrar’s signature. Photocopies or scanned versions are not accepted by the Florida Department of State.

You can request a certified birth certificate in one of the following ways:

  1. Visit your nearest Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in person.
  2. Send your application through the mail, completing Form DH726, which can be downloaded from the Florida Department of Health’s official site.
  3. Online through VitalChek, the only authorized third-party provider.

If you plan to request more than one birth certificate apostille in Florida, you’ll need to provide a separate original certificate for each one.

Step 2 — Verify Eligibility & Matching Standards

Not everyone can request an apostille for a birth certificate. According to state regulations, only the following individuals are eligible:

  • The person named on the birth certificate (if over 18)
  • A parent listed on the certificate
  • A legal guardian or legal representative (with documentation)

Florida also enforces standards regarding the document’s age and condition. The certificate must be original, intact, and legible, without tears, stains, or fading. A notary seal should never appear on it, as notarizing a vital record invalidates it for apostille processing.

Keep in mind that the certificate must have been issued by the State of Florida, not another state. If your birth record comes from another state, you’ll need to contact that state’s Department of State to process your apostilled birth certificate request.

Step 3 — Prepare the Apostille Request

Once you have the correct document, it’s time to prepare your apostille application. The Florida Department of State requires the Apostille and Notarial Certificate Request Form, which must be filled out completely and included in your submission.

Here’s what to include:

  • The destination country where you plan to use the document
  • Your contact details, including phone and email
  • The number of documents you’re submitting for apostille

This form helps ensure your apostille is properly issued for the intended country since requirements may vary depending on whether it’s part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Attach the form to your birth certificate, along with payment and a prepaid return envelope. Doing so helps prevent delays once your apostilled birth certificate request reaches the Department of State.

Step 4 — Choose Submission Method

Now it’s time to decide how to submit your apostille request. You have a few options:

  1. Walk-in Service (Tallahassee): For the fastest results, visit the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations in Tallahassee. Most walk-in requests are completed while you wait, although same-day processing is not guaranteed and depends on workload.
  2. By Mail or Courier: Mail your documents to: Florida Department of State, Apostille Section, 2661 Executive Center Circle, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Include a prepaid return envelope with tracking.
  3. Using an Apostille Service: If you prefer convenience, a professional provider like EZ Apostille can handle the entire process and expedite your birth certificate apostille in Florida, ideal for those outside the U.S. or needing a quick turnaround.

Step 5 — Payment & Packaging

Before sending your package, make sure your payment and materials are complete. You must include a check or money order issued to the Florida Department of State as your payment method.

  • The standard fee is $10 per document. However, if your birth certificate or other record was certified by a Clerk of the Circuit Court, an additional certificate may be required, bringing the total to $20.
  • Documents certified by a County Clerk must still be submitted to the Florida Department of State for authentication and may incur an additional $10 fee for the clerk’s certification step.

To avoid delays:

  • Include your completed request form.
  • Attach the payment securely.
  • Add a prepaid return envelope with your address.
  • Include a brief cover letter summarizing your request and contact information.

Before you send your documents, make sure everything is accurate and included. Many Florida apostille applications are delayed because applicants forget to include the payment or the required form.

Step 6 — Processing, Turnaround & Retrieval

Processing times depend on how you submit your application. If you apply by mail, expect your request to take roughly one week to process before factoring in delivery time. Walk-in submissions are typically completed the same day, while expedited services can return documents within 1 to 2 business days.

Once your request is approved, the Florida Department of State attaches a separate apostille certificate to your document. If you’ve provided a prepaid envelope, your completed apostille will be mailed back directly. Tracking options are available through your courier of choice.

If you submitted through a professional service, they’ll notify you as soon as your apostilled birth certificate in Florida is ready and confirm the delivery details.

Apostille vs. Non-Hague Country Requirements

Countries fall into two categories when it comes to document authentication — those that follow the Hague Apostille Convention and those that don’t. The process for your apostilled birth certificate in Florida depends on where the document will be used.

How the Process Works for Hague Convention Countries

When the destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, Florida’s apostille is accepted automatically without further verification. No additional authentication steps are required, making the process straightforward.

What to Do if the Destination Country Is Not Part of the Hague Convention

If the country you’re submitting the document to isn’t part of the Hague Convention, an additional authentication step will be required after receiving your Florida apostille. The document must go through an additional authentication or legalization process — usually at the U.S. Department of State and then the embassy or consulate of that country. Always confirm specific requirements with the receiving authority before submitting your birth certificate apostille in Florida.

Checklist Before Submitting Your Birth Certificate for Apostille in Florida

Before sending your request, go through this checklist:

  • Certified or original Florida birth certificate
  • Apostille Request Form (with destination country listed)
  • Check or money order for $10 per document
  • Prepaid return envelope
  • Cover letter with your contact information
  • Document is intact, legible, and unnotarized

Reviewing this list saves time and helps you avoid costly mailing errors.

Why Choose EZ Apostille for Birth Certificate Apostille in Florida

Handling document authentication can take time, especially when you’re already managing other international paperwork. EZ Apostille makes it simple by handling every step according to Florida Department of State rules, from reviewing your document to submitting the request form.

You can also choose expedited options for urgent cases and track your order from start to finish. When you use EZ Apostille, your apostilled birth certificate in Florida is authenticated properly and shipped safely, giving you peace of mind while preparing for your move abroad.

Finishing the Apostille Process the Right Way

Getting an apostilled birth certificate in Florida may sound complicated, but once you break it into steps, the process becomes straightforward. Get your certified birth certificate, finish the application form, and file it using whichever method you prefer. Whether you handle it yourself or work with EZ Apostille, you’ll ensure your document is recognized internationally with ease.

FAQ

Can I apostille a notarized copy instead of the original?

No. To qualify for an apostille, your document must be an original or certified copy provided by a Florida state or county registrar. Notarized copies are rejected for apostille processing.

Is same-day apostille service available in Florida?

Yes, same-day service is available for walk-in requests at the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. Professional providers like EZ Apostille can also offer expedited turnaround within 1–2 business days.

What if my birth certificate has been lost?

Before you can apply for a birth certificate apostille in Florida, you’ll need to get a replacement from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or your local County Health Department.

Do children’s birth certificates also need an apostille?

Yes, if the child’s birth certificate will be used in another country — for instance, for school enrollment or immigration purposes — it also requires an apostille.

Can I request multiple apostilles for one document?

No. Each apostille is attached to a specific original or certified copy. If you need multiple apostilles, you must provide separate originals for each one.

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