Apostille of a Florida marriage certificate
We coordinate the apostille of Florida marriage certificates for use abroad, whether issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or as a certified copy from the county clerk of court. Free initial review.
Free document review · Florida-based team · Statewide, all 67 counties
Two possible sources, both eligible for apostille
For marriages recorded from June 6, 1927 to the present, a certified marriage certificate can be requested from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, part of the Florida Department of Health, and signed by the State Registrar. For marriages before that date, or when the clerk's office issues its own certified copy of the recorded license, the certificate is signed by the Clerk of the County Court where the license was issued. Florida's apostille authority accepts either version, as long as it's signed by an official whose signature is on file with the state.
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed marriage license to the county clerk, who records it and forwards it to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This recording process generally takes about 60 days. If you need proof of a recent marriage sooner than that, the county clerk where the license was issued may be able to help before the state-level record is available.
What to confirm before requesting the certificate
Certified copy, not a photocopy
Florida's apostille authority requires an original certified copy issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics or the county clerk. A photocopy or a printout is not eligible for apostille.
Marriage license vs. marriage certificate
The license is the document issued before the ceremony; the certificate is the record of the marriage after it's been recorded. Receiving authorities abroad almost always ask for the recorded certificate, not the original license.
Recent marriages
If the marriage happened less than about 60 days ago, the state-level record may not be ready yet. The county clerk where the license was issued can often provide certified evidence sooner.
Confirm what the destination requires
Some countries or institutions require a maximum age for the certificate, a specific translation, or an apostille rather than consular legalization. Confirming this before requesting the certificate avoids repeating the process.
Three steps for your marriage certificate
Send us the details
The date and county of the marriage, the full names as they appear on the license, and the destination country. If you already have a certified copy, send us a photo or scan for review.
We identify the correct source
Depending on the date of the marriage and how quickly you need it, we confirm whether to request the certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics or from the county clerk of court.
We coordinate the apostille
Once we have the certified copy, we coordinate the apostille before the Florida Department of State and, if your destination country requires it instead, consular legalization.
Questions about the Florida marriage certificate apostille
Send us your case and we'll tell you exactly what's needed.
Do I need to apostille my marriage certificate to use it abroad?+
Can I apostille a photocopy of my marriage certificate?+
Is there a maximum age for the certificate?+
My marriage was recent. Can I get the certificate right away?+
What if I only have the marriage license, not the certificate?+
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Let's start with your document review
Send us the marriage date and county, the names on the license, and the destination country. The initial review is free.