How do you notarize a Florida corporate document for use in another country?
It depends on the destination country. A Hague-Convention country accepts a Florida apostille; a non-Hague country needs the full legalization chain — notarization, Florida Department of State certification, then that country's consulate.
A corporate document — a certificate of good standing, articles of incorporation, board resolution, or corporate power of attorney — gets notarized under Florida's standard notarial-certificate law (Fla. Stat. §117.05), then routed for either an apostille or full consular legalization depending on the destination country. The Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations is the sole Florida authority for both apostilles and non-apostille notarial certifications, and it only accepts an original certified copy or a document carrying a complete notarial statement with the notary's original signature, stamp, and seal.
Apostille vs. full legalization — the fork that decides everything
If the destination country is a member of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, a single Florida apostille from the Division of Corporations is enough — no consulate visit required. If it isn't a Hague member, the document needs the longer chain: Florida notarization, then a Florida Department of State certification (not an apostille, a plain notarial certification), then legalization at that country's consulate or embassy.
I notarize the document at your session; the Department of State and consular steps happen after, and I can point you to the right office for each, though I don't file the consular paperwork myself.
What the Department of State actually requires
Per Florida's Division of Corporations, only an original certified copy of a public document, or a document bearing a full notarial statement with the notary's original signature, stamp, and seal, is accepted — a plain photocopy is not. The state fee is $10 per authentication, and processing takes at least 5 business days from receipt.
Who signs
- An authorized corporate officer, director, or registered agent signs — bring proof of your authority to sign for the entity if it isn't already on the document
- I verify your identity and witness the signature
Preparation checklist
- The completed, unsigned corporate document
- One current government-issued photo ID
- Confirm with the receiving country (or your international counsel) whether it needs an apostille or full legalization before you schedule
What EMC does not do
I don't draft corporate resolutions or determine which country requires which chain.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does every country need an apostille for a Florida corporate document?
No. Only Hague-Convention member countries accept an apostille. Non-member countries need full legalization — Florida notarization, a Florida Department of State certification, and consular legalization.
How much does the Florida apostille or certification cost?
The state fee is $10 per authentication through the Division of Corporations, plus whatever consular fee applies for non-Hague legalization.
Can EMC notarize a corporate document remotely?
Yes, by RON, as long as the signer is an authorized officer, director, or agent of the entity.
Does EMC submit the document to the Department of State or a consulate for me?
No. I complete the notarization; routing the document to the Department of State and, if needed, a consulate is handled by you, your attorney, or an apostille/legalization service.
Do you handle other business and corporate documents too?
Yes — see Business & Corporate Notarization for board resolutions, vendor contracts, settlement agreements, and more.