If you need to use a Florida document in another country, you may be asked to obtain an apostille. PennySmart Group offers apostille services to make the process easier, from notarizing eligible documents to handling submission to the Florida Department of State.
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the signature of a notary or public official on a document for international use. In Florida, only the Florida Secretary of State can issue an apostille. If you’ve searched for apostille services near me or wondered how to get an apostille, PennySmart Group can help you navigate the process.
How to Get an Apostille in Florida
First, we determine what your document needs before submitting it. If the document requires notarization, PennySmart Group can perform the appropriate notarial act and prepare it for apostille processing.
However, not every document needs to be notarized. Florida birth and death certificates, marriage records, court documents, school records, and other public documents may have specific certification requirements. The Florida Department of State provides a detailed list of accepted documents and requirements.
If you’re dealing with a document from another country or a document written in another language, you can also read our guide to notarizing foreign documents in Florida.
Once the document is ready, PennySmart Group prepares the apostille request and handles its submission to the Florida Department of State. The state reviews the document and, if it meets the requirements, issues the apostille certificate.
How Long Does an Apostille Take?
Standard processing can take several weeks, depending on the Florida Department of State’s workload and mailing times. Therefore, it’s a good idea to plan ahead when you know you’ll need an apostille.
Need it sooner? PennySmart Group also offers a rush apostille service. Depending on the document and circumstances, we can coordinate faster handling that may reduce the process to approximately one week or less.
The rush service is offered by PennySmart Group, not the Florida Department of State. In fact, the Department of State states that it does not offer expedited service, although it does accept walk-in requests in Tallahassee.
Looking for Apostille Services Near Me?
If you’re searching for an apostille near me, you don’t have to manage the entire process yourself. PennySmart Group can review your document, notarize it when required, prepare the apostille request, handle submission, and coordinate the return of the completed document.
Keep in mind that apostilles apply to documents intended for countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. For countries that do not participate, a different certification or authentication process may apply.
Let PennySmart Handle Your Apostille
If you’re wondering how to get an apostille for a Florida document, PennySmart Group can simplify the process. We offer standard apostille services as well as a rush option when time is important.
Contact PennySmart Group to discuss your document, where it will be used, and how quickly you need it.
PennySmart Group LLC provides notary and apostille processing assistance. PennySmart does not issue apostilles. Apostilles are issued by the Florida Secretary of State. Processing times are estimates and are not guaranteed.