Frequently Asked Questions

Your document will be processed in the order it was received.

• The Department of State knows your documents are important and time-sensitive.
• A self-addressed stamped envelope, or a prepaid pre-addressed airbill, will ensure your documents are returned to you as quickly as possible.

• Our office does not offer expedited services.
• We do, however, offer walk-in services.
  • Walk-in requests are only taken at our office at 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810 Tallahassee, FL 32303.
  • Most requests may be completed while you wait.
  • Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, with the exception of state holidays.
  • The notary’s information is compared against our Notary Public database.
  • We verify the notary public’s commission number, expiration date and name.

  Yes. First, submit your document to the Florida Secretary of State for authentication, and then forward the documentation to the U.S. Department of State, if required for processing.

  • No, our office does not provide translation services.
  • Check your local Yellow Pages or conduct an online search to locate a translation service.
  • IMPORTANT NOTICE: The person translating the document cannot be the person that notarizes it.
  • The certificate is issued on security paper, which cannot be photocopied. Photocopies will have the word “VOID” displayed throughout.
  • Each certificate is assigned a unique identification number displayed on the back of the certificate in the lower left hand corner.
  • The Florida Department of State will verify the certificate’s authenticity. Send a copy of the certificate along with a written request to our Apostille/Certification Section.

  Apostille & Notarial Certification

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Accepted Types of Documents

  

  Ron DeSantis, Governor
  Cord Byrd, Secretary of State

  Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

  Copyright © 2024 State of Florida, Florida Department of State.

  Florida Department of State
  

  The Centre of Tallahassee
  2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810
  Tallahassee, FL 32303
  

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