- For notarized documents (e.g. Power of Attorney, copies of IDs, diplomas, etc.) select the state where the notary public is qualified.

- For vital records (e.g. birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificate) select the state where the certificate was issued.

FBI background check

This document is also called "Identity History Summary Check" or "Rap Sheet". This is a federal document.

If you do not have the FBI background check, here is the link where you can obtain it: Rap Sheets (Identity History Summary Checks) — FBI

Your FBI background check is acceptable for an apostille or legalization if

(a) it is a PDF file received from the FBI or from one of the FBI approved channelers by email, or

(b) it is a hard copy received by mail.

Florida birth certificate

(1) Your birth certificate must be original. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.

(2) Your birth certificate has to be signed by the current State Registrar Ken Jones, 

or by one of the former State Registrars: 

• C. Meade Grigg

• Oliver Board

• Edward Williams

• Charles Mahan.

(3) Birth certificates issued by local Florida Health Departments are not eligible.

(4) Birth certificates signed by Deputies State Registrar are not eligible.

Florida issues two types of birth certificates: Certification of birth (also called "computer copy") and Certificate of Live Birth (also called a "photocopy"). Both contain an embossed seal incorporated into the safety paper. Please note that Certification of birth is considered a short form birth certificate. A Certificate of Live Birth (photocopy) is a photocopy of the actual birth certificate and has a lot more information. Please contact the receiving agency in the country of intended use to determine what certification type (computer or photocopy) may be required. For apostille (authentication) purposes both Certifications of birth and Birth certificates are eligible.

If your birth certificate does not meet the requirements, it might still be eligible for an apostille. After completing this form you will be able to email a copy of your document for a Free Document Evaluation.

You will find recommendations how to order a certified copy of a Florida birth certificate in the Summary page.

Florida birth certificate

(1) Your birth certificate must be original. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.

(2) Your birth certificate has to be signed by the current State Registrar Ken Jones, 

or by one of the former State Registrars: 

• C. Meade Grigg

• Oliver Board

• Edward Williams

• Charles Mahan.

(3) Birth certificates issued by local Florida Health Departments are not eligible.

(4) Birth certificates signed by Deputies State Registrar are not eligible.

Florida issues two types of birth certificates: Certification of birth (also called "computer copy") and Certificate of Live Birth (also called a "photocopy"). Both contain an embossed seal incorporated into the safety paper. Please note that Certification of birth is considered a short form birth certificate. A Certificate of Live Birth (photocopy) is a photocopy of the actual birth certificate and has a lot more information. Please contact the receiving agency in the country of intended use to determine what certification type (computer or photocopy) may be required. For apostille (authentication) purposes both Certifications of birth and Birth certificates are eligible.