Information verified — Last update: November 12, 2025
If your marriage certificate was issued in Florida and you need to use it abroad, you must obtain an apostille from the Florida Department of State (Division of Corporations — Apostille Section) in Tallahassee. The Florida DOS is the only competent authority in Florida that issues apostilles/notarial certifications for Florida public documents. (Florida DOS Apostille Section)
This guide — updated Nov 2025 and valid through 2026 — shows the correct 2-step flow (Vital Statistics/Clerk → DOS), the official fees, the exact request form, USPS vs courier addresses, and a rejection-proof checklist.
Typical cases:
Use a certified Florida marriage certificate issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or recorded by a Clerk of the Circuit Court (both are acceptable if properly certified).
| Competent Authority | Florida Department of State (Division of Corporations), Apostille Section — Tallahassee |
| Fee (2025) | $10 per document (standard). $20 per document if the record was certified by a Florida Clerk of Court. |
| Request Form | Apostille & Notarial Certificate Request Form (official DOS PDF) |
| USPS Mailing Address | P.O. Box 6800, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6800 |
| Courier / Walk-in Address | 2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303 |
| Vital Records Source | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (statewide) — ordering & guidance |
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Request a certified Florida marriage certificate (not a photocopy). Certificates from June 6, 1927 to present are available via the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (abstract from the recorded marriage license). Local Clerk of Circuit Court offices also issue certified copies for records they hold.
If the destination is a Hague Convention country, DOS issues an apostille; for non-Hague destinations, DOS issues a notarial certification (used later for consular legalization).
Fill the Apostille & Notarial Certificate Request Form with your details, the destination country, and your return method (SASE or prepaid label).
Official DOS Form PDFMake payable to Florida Department of State for the correct fee: $10 per document or $20 if your certificate is Clerk-of-Court certified. No cash/credit for mail.
Add a self-addressed stamped envelope or prepaid carrier label (avoid "Bill Sender"/handwritten airbills).
USPS: P.O. Box 6800, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6800
Courier/Walk-in: 2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Use courier address for FedEx/UPS/DHL; do not send courier to the P.O. Box.
Processing varies by volume: expect several business days (mail can take longer). Your apostille/notarial certification will be attached to your certified marriage certificate.
Para usar su certificado de matrimonio de Florida en el extranjero, necesita un apostille del Florida Department of State en Tallahassee. La tarifa es $10 por documento (o $20 si fue certificado por un Clerk of Court). Envíe una copia certificada, el formulario oficial y una etiqueta de retorno con rastreo.
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Get My Custom GuideThis page provides general information and is not legal advice. Always verify current fees, forms, and addresses on the official Florida DOS and Florida DOH websites.
Last Updated: November 12, 2025 | Valid for: 2025–2026
Reviewed by: Compliance Editor — Apostille Pro USA