Understanding Apostilles for Florida Birth Certificates and Death Certificates
When dealing with international affairs—whether you’re getting married overseas, applying for dual citizenship, or launching a business abroad—you may need a Florida birth or death certificate accompanied by an apostille. Below, we clarify the process for obtaining an apostille, highlight the importance of having an original certificate in good condition, and warn against common pitfalls.
Why Obtain an Apostille for Your Florida Birth Certificate?
Foreign embassies or consulates often require an apostille (or authentication) from the Florida Department of State on vital records, such as birth certificates. Common reasons include:
- Getting married abroad (e.g., a destination wedding)
- Starting a business in another country
- Applying for dual citizenship
Though the term apostille may sound intimidating, the process is relatively straightforward, especially if you have the correct documents in good condition from the start.
The Process of Securing an Apostille
1. Getting Started
The Florida Department of State is the sole authority to issue apostilles for Florida documents. Before you begin:
- Obtain a certified copy of your Florida birth certificate or death certificate.
- If you need multiple apostilles, you must provide an original certificate for each request.
Important: Only Florida birth or death certificates can be apostilled by the Florida Department of State. Records from other U.S. states or foreign countries must be apostilled (or authenticated) in their respective jurisdictions.
2. Verify Your Certificate’s Condition
What matters most is that your Florida certificate is in good physical condition and bears the signature of either the current or any previous registrar of the State of Florida. You do not need to obtain a new certificate solely because the registrar’s name on your certificate is no longer in office. As long as the document is:
- An original, certified copy (not a photocopy)
- Intact, not torn, taped, or excessively faded
- Clearly displaying the registrar’s signature and official seal
…it is eligible for apostille processing in Florida.
Choosing the Right Florida Apostille Agent
Beware of Deceptive Apostille Services
In your search for an apostille service, you might encounter companies that:
- Operate outside of Florida but offer to process a “Florida apostille.”
- Suggest using a copy of your certificate rather than the original.
These tactics can result in non-Florida apostilles attached to photocopies of Florida vital records—frequently rejected by foreign authorities.
These companies typically operate from states with relaxed apostille regulations. They might be willing to apostille a copy of a Florida vital record instead of the original. The result is always a non-Florida apostille attached to a mere copy of your birth certificate.
Risks of Accepting Non-Florida Apostilles
- Potential for Fraud: An apostilled copy instead of an original raises suspicions about authenticity.
- Rejection by Foreign Authorities: Most foreign agencies require an original Florida certificate with a Florida-issued apostille.
- Wasted Time and Resources: If your document is rejected, you’ll have to restart the apostille process, incurring additional delays and costs.
Bottom line: Always work with reputable Florida-based services that follow the proper protocols of the Florida Department of State.
Eligibility for Requesting a Florida Birth Certificate
Certified copies of birth records under 100 years old are confidential. Eligible requestors include:
- The registrant (if 18 or older)
- Parents listed on the birth certificate
- Legal guardians or representatives (with documentation)
- Individuals with a court order (must provide a copy)
After the registrant’s death, immediate family members can obtain the birth certificate by providing the registrant’s death certificate. A valid ID is always required. Misrepresentation during application is a felony in Florida.
Where to Obtain a Florida Birth Certificate
1. Local County Health Departments
- Fastest in-person option for Florida residents.
- You can also request by mail.
2. Ordering Online via VitalChek
- VitalChek is the exclusive online vendor for the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
- They can ship to you directly or send the certificate to an apostille service.
Typical Fees:
- $19: Initial certification (including rush fees)
- $7: VitalChek’s processing fee
- $4: Each additional certification
Shipping costs vary depending on your choice.
3. Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Offers walk-in and mail-in services.
- Forms and contact details are available on their website.
Typical Fees:
- $9: Initial certification
- $4: Each additional certification
- $14: Photocopy certificate (rush fees may apply)
Payments can be made via various modes, and processing times vary based on the service.
Download Links for Common Forms:
DH726 Application for a Florida Birth Record (English PDF 99K)
DH726S Application for a Florida Birth Record (Spanish PDF 378K)
Important Points to Note
1. Vital Records Can't Be Notarized
A notary stamp on a Florida birth certificate or death certificate renders it invalid for apostille. The Florida Department of State will reject any vital record that’s been notarized.
2. Apostille Processing Time and Cost
- Standard Processing: Mail your documents with a $10 check to the Department of State. Current turnaround is roughly 30-35 days.
- Expedited Service: Florida Document Specialists (and other reputable agents) can often return your documents within 2-3 business days.
3. Know Your Destination Country’s Status
- If the country recognizes the Hague Apostille Convention (1961), the apostille is generally sufficient.
- If it’s a non-Hague country, additional legalizations or authentications might be required. Always clarify with the receiving authority.
4. Birth Certificate Translations
- Some countries require a translated birth certificate.
- We recommend clarifying whether the apostille cover page also needs translation.
- We offer certified translations in over 100 languages, complete with a notarized translator’s affidavit, including sworn translations for Spain and other countries.
Similar Guidelines for Florida Death Certificates
The same essential criteria apply to Florida death certificates:
- Any original death certificate, in good condition, bearing the signature of the current or a previous Florida registrar is valid for apostille.
- Avoid any service that suggests shortcuts, such as apostilling a copy or using non-Florida routes.
- Rejections by foreign authorities due to questionable apostilles are common and create significant delays.
Ready to Expedite Your Florida Apostille?
If you have any questions or need assistance with obtaining or expediting an apostille for a Florida birth or death certificate, reach out to us. Our team is here to guide you through every step—ensuring your documents are accepted worldwide with minimal hassle.
For further questions or assistance, please contact us. If you wish to expedite your apostille order for a Florida birth certificate using our services, click here.