Need to apostille a Florida birth certificate for international use? Whether you're moving abroad, getting married overseas, or applying for dual citizenship, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from obtaining your birth certificate to receiving the apostilled document.

Why You Need an Apostilled Birth Certificate

Birth certificates are among the most commonly apostilled documents. You'll typically need an apostilled birth certificate for:

International marriage registration
Citizenship or residency applications in foreign countries
International adoption procedures
Dual citizenship applications (especially for countries that grant citizenship by descent)
International school enrollment
Visa applications for certain countries
International employment requiring proof of identity

Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Florida Birth Certificate

Before you can get an apostille, you need a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. Regular photocopies or hospital-issued certificates cannot be apostilled.

How to Order Your Florida Birth Certificate

Option 1: Online (Fastest)

Visit the Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics website
Complete the online application form
Pay the fee ($9 for the first copy, $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time)
Add expedited shipping if needed ($17.50 for overnight delivery)
Processing time: 2-3 weeks for standard mail, 2-3 business days for expedited

Option 2: By Mail

Download and complete the Application for Florida Birth Certificate (Form DH-431)
Include a copy of your valid photo ID
Include payment (check or money order payable to "Bureau of Vital Statistics")
Mail to: Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Processing time: 3-4 weeks

Option 3: In Person

Visit any Florida Department of Health county office
Bring valid photo ID
Pay the fee (cash, check, or card accepted at most locations)
Receive your certificate immediately or within 3 business days

Important: Order at least 2-3 certified copies of your birth certificate. You may need multiple apostilled copies for different purposes, and it's more efficient to apostille several at once.

Step 2: Verify Your Birth Certificate Is Apostille-Ready

Before submitting for apostille, ensure your birth certificate meets these requirements:

Original Certification: Must be an original certified copy with the raised seal of the Florida Department of Health
Registrar's Signature: Must include the signature of the State Registrar or Deputy State Registrar
Clear and Legible: All text must be clearly readable; faded or damaged certificates may be rejected
Complete Information: Should include your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names
Recent Issue Date: While there's no official expiration, some countries prefer certificates issued within the last 6 months

Step 3: Submit for Apostille to the Florida Department of State

In Florida, apostilles are issued by the Florida Department of State, Authentication Unit. Here's how to submit your birth certificate:

Submission Methods

Option 1: In Person (Fastest)

Visit the Florida Department of State office in Tallahassee:

Address: R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding state holidays)
Processing: Same-day service (usually within 2-3 hours)
Payment: $10 per document (cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card accepted)

Option 2: By Mail

Complete the Apostille/Authentication Request Form (available on the Florida Department of State website)
Include your original birth certificate(s)
Include payment of $10 per document (check or money order payable to "Florida Department of State")
Include a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope (use trackable shipping like USPS Priority Mail or FedEx)
Mail to: Florida Department of State, Authentication Unit, R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250
Processing time: 5-7 business days after receipt, plus shipping time both ways (total: 2-3 weeks)

Option 3: Through a Registered Agent

Professional apostille services can submit documents on your behalf
Agents can provide same-day or next-day service
Service fees typically range from $50-$150 per document, plus the $10 state fee
Ideal if you're not in Florida or need expedited processing

Step 4: Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate

Once processed, your birth certificate will be returned with the apostille certificate attached. The apostille is a one-page form that includes:

The country of origin (United States of America)
The name and title of the person who signed the document (State Registrar)
The name of the institution that issued the document (Florida Department of Health)
The place and date of certification
The seal of the Florida Department of State
The signature of the authenticating official
A unique apostille number for verification

Important: Do not separate the apostille from your birth certificate. They must remain attached for the apostille to be valid.

Costs Breakdown

Here's what you can expect to pay for the complete process:

Birth Certificate: $9 (first copy) + $4 (each additional copy)
Expedited Birth Certificate Shipping (optional): $17.50
Apostille Fee: $10 per document
Return Shipping: $8-$25 (depending on method)
Professional Service Fee (optional): $50-$150 per document

Total DIY Cost: $27-$50 per apostilled birth certificate

Total with Professional Service: $77-$200 per apostilled birth certificate

Processing Times

Method	Birth Certificate	Apostille	Total Time
In Person (Both Steps)	Same day	2-3 hours	1 day
Online + In Person	2-3 days (expedited)	2-3 hours	3-4 days
Online + Mail	2-3 weeks	2-3 weeks	4-6 weeks
Professional Service	Varies	1-2 days	3-5 days

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Issue 1: Wrong Type of Birth Certificate

Problem: Hospital-issued birth certificates or photocopies cannot be apostilled.

Solution: Always order a certified copy from the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Issue 2: Faded or Damaged Certificates

Problem: Old birth certificates with faded text or damaged seals may be rejected.

Solution: Order a new certified copy before submitting for apostille.

Issue 3: Missing Return Envelope

Problem: Forgetting to include a prepaid return envelope when mailing documents.

Solution: Always include a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope with tracking.

Issue 4: Incorrect Payment

Problem: Sending the wrong amount or using an incorrect payment method.

Solution: Double-check current fees on the Florida Department of State website before submitting.

Issue 5: Document Expiration

Problem: Some countries require recently issued documents (within 3-6 months).

Solution: Check destination country requirements before ordering. If needed, order a new birth certificate closer to your travel or application date.

After You Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate

Translation Requirements

If you're using your apostilled birth certificate in a non-English-speaking country, you'll likely need a certified translation. The apostille authenticates the document but doesn't translate it. Requirements vary by country:

Some countries accept translations done by any certified translator
Others require translations by translators registered with their courts or government
A few countries require the translation itself to be notarized and apostilled

Always verify translation requirements with the destination country's embassy or consulate.

Storage and Copies

Make high-quality color scans of your apostilled birth certificate
Store digital copies in multiple secure locations (cloud storage, encrypted USB drive)
Keep the original in a safe place—apostilled documents cannot be easily replaced
Consider ordering multiple apostilled copies if you'll need them for different purposes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is an apostilled birth certificate valid?

A: Apostilles don't technically expire, but some countries require that documents be issued within a certain timeframe (usually 3-6 months). Check with the receiving country's requirements.

Q: Can I apostille a birth certificate from another state in Florida?

A: No. Birth certificates must be apostilled by the state that issued them. If you were born in another state, you must obtain the apostille from that state's Secretary of State office.

Q: What if my birth certificate has errors?

A: You must correct errors with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics before getting an apostille. The apostille authenticates the document as-is and doesn't correct errors.

Q: Can I apostille a birth certificate for someone else?

A: Yes, but you must be an authorized person (parent, legal guardian, or person with a court order). You'll need to provide proof of your relationship or authorization.

Q: Do I need to notarize my birth certificate before apostilling?

A: No. Birth certificates issued by the Florida Department of Health are already certified and don't require notarization before apostille.

Conclusion

Apostilling a Florida birth certificate is a straightforward process when you know the steps. By following this guide, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your documents are properly authenticated for international use. Whether you choose to handle the process yourself or use a professional service, starting early and staying organized will help ensure a smooth experience.

Need help apostilling your Florida birth certificate? We handle the entire process for you—from obtaining certified copies to securing apostilles and arranging certified translations. Same-day and next-day service available. Contact us today for a free quote.

How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in Florida: Step-by-Step