Apostille6 min read
Apostille vs Notarization: What's the Difference?
A plain-English guide to the difference between a Florida notarization and an apostille — and when your international document needs both.
Notarization certifies your signature
A Florida notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. That is usually all you need for domestic transactions.
An apostille certifies the notary
When a document is going to another country that participates in the Hague Convention, that country wants proof the Florida notary is real. An apostille from the Florida Secretary of State provides that authentication.
We help clients coordinate notarization and apostille assistance for birth certificates, marriage certificates, power of attorney documents, corporate records, and diplomas.