How Much Does It Cost to Get an Apostille in Florida?

You might require an apostille when you plan to use your Florida document abroad. An apostille is a special stamp that makes your document valid across the countries of the Hague Apostille Convention. How much does it cost to get an Apostille in Florida? This blog might be useful for you. 
 

The nations participating in the Hague Apostille Convention use this expedited certificate procedure. With an apostille, your documents are accompanied by a certification accepted in all other nations that have confirmed the convention. Because there are fewer steps in this method, it is simple and quick. 
 

1. Prepare your document:
  - Make sure you have the original document or a certified copy.
  - The document must be issued in Florida to qualify for a Florida apostille.
2. Notarize if necessary:
  - Some documents require notarization before getting an apostille.
  - some common examples include affidavits, powers of attorney, and corporate documents.
3. Visit the Florida Department of State website:
   - Here, you'll find forms and detailed instructions.
4. Complete the apostille request form:
  - Download and fill out the form accurately.
  - Include your contact information and details about the document.
5. Submit your request:
  - You can mail your documents, form, and payment to the Florida Department of State
6. Wait for processing:
  - Typically takes 3-5 business days for mailed requests.
  - In-person requests may be processed on the same day.
7. Receive your apostille:
  - If mailed, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return shipping.
  - You can wait and receive in-person requests on the same day.
Remember, processing times can vary depending on the volume of requests. If you need your apostille urgently, consider using an expedited service, which will incur additional fees.
Also, ensure your document is eligible for an apostille. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, require apostilles from the U.S. Department of State, not from Florida.
 

Getting an apostille in Florida isn't too expensive. Here is what you need to know:

First, you pay $10 to the state to get your document certified. Then, you pay another $10 for the actual apostille. So that's $20 total for one document.

But remember, there might be extra costs. If you need copies of your papers, that could cost more. If you're sending your documents by mail, you'll have to pay for stamps. Prices can change, so it's a good idea to check with the Florida Department of State for the latest information. They can tell you exactly what you'll need to pay. Conversely, you can also connect with a service provider who can ease the process.
 

Getting an apostille in Florida is simpler and easy. By following the above steps and paying attention to the details, you can authenticate your documents for international use without hassle. It generally costs $20 per document and takes about 1-2 weeks. With some planning and patience, you'll have your apostille in hand and be ready for your international needs.