As the world continues to change, and international relations with other countries evolve, as do rules and regulations to combat fraud and other reasons. Yes, it’s true that the apostille process is different from country to country. Yes, it’s true that no matter where you need to obtain apostilles from, you need to due your due diligence to insure that you’re following the rules and regulations for processing guidelines. However, understand with no question that LEGAL apostilles CANNOT be provided by any other source other than the correct governmental office (determined by the type of document requiring an apostille). BUYER BEWARE if you walk into any brick and mortar location and obtain an apostille immediately. The document you receive may look real, BUT know for sure that unless you receive an apostille from a designated competent authority, it is NOT VALID, and you can have issues with the Country of Destination in the near or far future.
Designated Competent Authority (ies):
The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications issues Apostilles for documents issued by Federal agencies of the United States.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport Services, Vital Records Section issues apostilles for Consular Reports of Birth, Death and Marriage.
The Clerks and Deputy Clerks of U.S. Federal Courts issue apostilles on documents issued by those courts.
Public documents issued by U.S. states, the District of Columbia and other U.S. jurisdictions may be apostillized by designated competent authorities in their respective jurisdictions, generally the state Secretary of State’s office.
I. Authentication Officer, Acting Authentication Officer and Assistant Authentication Officer, United States Department of State.
Florida Notary Public, LLC guarantees that all apostilles provided are legal and obtained only through the correct government office. If you’re not sure where your documents need to be correctly apostilled (legalized), or you’re unsure of the correct process, we can help. Contact Florida Notary Public, LLC at 954-263-4869.
