Rules for Marriage Certificate

• Certified Document

  You must submit an original certified copy issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or a Florida County Clerk/Health Department (as the issuing official). It must have the original signature of the State Registrar or County Court Clerk and a raised or stamped seal.

• Notarization or County Certification (Critical Step)

  Florida offers two paths, and choosing the wrong one is a common pitfall. The document must have its signature verified before sending to the state: Path A: Notarization: Have the certified document notarized by a Florida Notary Public. The notary's certificate and seal must be on or attached to the document. Path B: Clerk of Court Certification: Take the certified document to a Florida Clerk of Circuit Court to have the signature of the original official (e.g., another Clerk or the Health Department official) certified. The Clerk will attach a "Clerk's Certificate." Rejection Cause: Sending the document without either a notarization or a Clerk of Court certification.

• Complete Cover Sheet

  You must include a completed "Apostille/Certification Request Form" which acts as your cover sheet. This form is mandatory and provides your contact and return information.

• Correct Payment

  Include the $10.00 per apostille fee, plus a $1.00 processing fee per document (total $11.00 per document). Payment must be made by check or money order payable to "Florida Department of State."

• Pre-Paid Return Shipping

  You must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage. Using a trackable service like USPS Priority Mail is highly recommended.