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Guide
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Convention that authenticates a document for recognition in another member country. Understanding what an apostille is — and when you need one — is the first step in preparing documents for international use.
The Hague Apostille Convention
The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 established a simplified method for authenticating documents for use across member countries. When a document carries an apostille issued by the competent authority of its country of origin, it is accepted as authentic by all other Hague member states without further authentication.
As of 2024, over 120 countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. However, membership alone does not guarantee that every receiving authority in a given country will accept every apostilled document — the receiving authority's own requirements still apply.
What an Apostille Certifies
An apostille does not certify the content of a document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp that the document bears.
This is an important distinction: an apostille does not mean the document is "correct" or that its contents are accurate — only that the document was properly executed by the official or notary whose signature appears on it.
Documents That Typically Require an Apostille
Power of Attorney
Birth Certificates
Marriage Certificates
Death Certificates
Divorce Decrees
Corporate Documents
Affidavits
School Transcripts
FBI Background Checks
Court Orders
Who Issues the Apostille?
Apostilles are issued by the "competent authority" designated by each country. In the United States, each state designates its own competent authority — typically the Secretary of State. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles for documents originating in Florida.
The document must have originated in the issuing jurisdiction. A Florida notary's notarization generates a Florida apostille — not a federal apostille. Federal documents (such as FBI background checks) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
When an Apostille Is Not Enough
For documents destined for countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention — such as China, the UAE (for certain purposes), or Saudi Arabia — a different authentication process is required. This typically involves authentication by the U.S. Department of State followed by legalization by the destination country's embassy or consulate.
Some Hague member countries also have specific additional requirements imposed by the receiving authority, even when an apostille is present. Operator review is recommended before submitting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a standardized certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 1961 that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another member country. It verifies the signature, seal, or stamp of the official who executed the document.
Who issues an apostille in Florida?
In Florida, the Florida Department of State issues apostilles for documents executed by Florida officials, Florida-commissioned notaries, and certain other Florida public officials.
Does every country accept an apostille?
No. Apostilles are recognized only by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. For documents destined for non-Hague countries, a different authentication process — typically consular legalization — is required.
Can I get an apostille on any document?
Apostilles are issued on public documents: notarized documents, vital records, court documents, and certain official government documents. Private documents typically need notarization first before an apostille can be obtained.
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The Milano Seal supports document execution logistics, notarization coordination, apostille coordination, courier tracking, and release controls. Document execution coordination only. The Milano Seal™ does not provide legal guidance. Legal questions should be handled by a licensed attorney.