Information verified — Last update: November 12, 2025
If your birth certificate was issued in Florida and you need to use it outside the United States, you must obtain an apostille from the Florida Department of State (Division of Corporations — Apostille Section) in Tallahassee.
The Department of State is the only competent authority in Florida that issues apostilles or notarial certifications for Florida public documents.
This page — updated November 2025 and valid through 2026 — includes verified fees, forms, addresses, timelines, and a checklist to help you avoid rejection. (Florida DOS Apostille Section)
Common cases:
Only state-certified Florida birth certificates are eligible — not hospital souvenirs or photocopies. (Florida Department of Health – Vital Records)
| Authority | Florida Department of State, Apostille Section, Tallahassee |
| Fee (2025) | $10 per document (standard); $20 if certified by a Clerk of Court |
| Request Form | "Apostille & Notarial Certificate Request Form" (DOS PDF) |
| Mailing Address (USPS) | P.O. Box 6800, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6800 |
| Courier Address (FedEx/UPS/DHL) | 2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303 |
| Processing Time | Several business days to a few weeks (depending on volume) |
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Order it from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or an authorized registrar. Photocopies and hospital certificates are not accepted.
If it is a Hague Convention country, you need an apostille; if not, the DOS will issue a notarial certification for later consular legalization.
Download and fill out the Apostille & Notarial Certificate Request Form with your name, destination country, and return address.
Official DOS Form PDFAttach a check or money order payable to "Florida Department of State" for the correct fee:
Add a self-addressed stamped envelope or a prepaid carrier label (no "Bill Sender" or handwritten airbills).
Mail to the USPS address above or send via courier to the Monroe Street address.
Your document will return with the apostille securely attached — check that it lists the correct destination country.
Para usar su certificado de nacimiento de Florida en otro país, necesita un apostille del Florida Department of State en Tallahassee. La tarifa es de $10 por documento (o $20 si fue certificado por un Clerk of Court). Envíe una copia certificada, no fotocopias, con el formulario oficial y un sobre prepagado de retorno.
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Get My Custom GuideThis information is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current fees, forms, and addresses with official Florida State sources.
Last Updated: November 12, 2025 | Valid for: 2025–2026
Reviewed by: Compliance Editor — Apostille Pro USA