Apostille vs. Notarization: What's the Difference?
Most Florida documents only need notarization. An apostille adds a separate state-level certificate for documents headed overseas.
Notarization verifies your identity and witnesses your signature for documents used domestically. An apostille is a separate certificate the Florida Department of State attaches after notarization, so authorities in a country that has joined the Hague Apostille Convention can recognize the notarization as authentic. You typically need an apostille only when a notarized document is going abroad.
What notarization actually does
Notarization is an identity and willingness check. I confirm your identity against a government-issued ID, witness your signature (in person or by RON), and complete the notarial certificate required under Florida Statutes Chapter 117, Part II. That certificate is what makes the document valid for use here in Florida, and in most U.S. states.
What an apostille adds
An apostille is a separate step that comes after notarization. We notarize and manage the apostille process end to end: document review, Florida Department of State processing, tracking, and secure return delivery for international use. Ideal for dual citizenship, visas, overseas real estate, adoptions, and international legal filings.
When you need notarization only
- The document stays in Florida or is going to another U.S. state or federal agency
- The receiving institution is a domestic bank, court, title company, or employer
- No foreign government or foreign institution is named as the recipient
When you need an apostille too
- Dual citizenship applications
- Visas
- Overseas real estate
- Adoptions
- International legal filings
Hague vs. non-Hague: it matters which country
Countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilles. For non-Hague countries, consular legalization is required instead.
Florida's apostille process, step by step
Notarize the document (in person or by RON).
Submit the completed application and document package to the Florida Department of State.
Processing time is set by the Florida Department of State, not by us, and it changes with their workload.
Receive the apostilled document back, ready for international use.
Pricing
Notarization runs $45 total ($25 notarial act plus $20 coordination fee). The apostille step starts from $160, covering our notarization and coordination fee; Florida's apostille state fee and any shipping or courier costs are itemized separately.
Frequently asked questions
What countries accept an apostille?
Countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilles. For non-Hague countries, consular legalization is required instead.
Do I need an apostille if I'm only using the document in Florida?
No. An apostille is only needed when a notarized document is going to another country. For domestic use, notarization alone is valid.
Can you notarize and apostille the same document in one coordinated order?
Yes. I notarize the document first, then route it to the Florida Department of State for the apostille certificate as one coordinated process.
How long does the apostille step take?
Florida sets its own apostille processing time and doesn't offer an official expedited queue — see the Florida Apostille Service page below for the current-estimate link and full details.
What does an apostille cost?
From $160, covering our notarization and coordination fee. Florida's apostille state fee and any shipping or courier costs are itemized separately.