Moving Abroad? 7 U.S. Documents You May Need Apostilled Before You Go

If you’re planning to move, retire, work, study, get married, or apply for residency in another country, there’s one step that often catches people by surprise:

You may need to have certain U.S. documents apostilled before they can be accepted overseas.

An apostille authenticates the origin of an eligible public document so it can be presented in another country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention.

The problem?

Many people don't discover they need one until they're already facing an appointment, application deadline, or international move.

Here are 7 common U.S. documents you may need apostilled before moving abroad.

1. Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is one of the most commonly requested documents for international use.

You may need an apostilled birth certificate for:

• Residency applications

• Citizenship or dual citizenship

• Marriage abroad

• Family registration

• Immigration matters

• School enrollment

• Other government procedures

In most cases, you'll need an appropriate certified copy, not a regular photocopy.

The apostille is generally obtained from the appropriate authority in the state where the birth certificate was issued.

Have a Florida birth certificate? We can review it and coordinate the Florida apostille process for you.

2. Marriage Certificate

If you're married and relocating internationally, you may be asked to prove your marital status.

An apostilled marriage certificate may be needed for:

• Spousal residency

• Citizenship applications

• Family reunification

• Immigration

• Registering your marriage abroad

• Name changes

• Benefits or other legal matters

Like birth certificates, marriage certificates generally need to meet the requirements of the issuing state before they can receive an apostille.

3. FBI Background Check

An FBI background check is commonly requested for certain international residency, visa, citizenship, employment, and immigration procedures.

This document is different from most state-issued records.

Because an FBI background check is a federal document, its apostille is handled

through the federal process rather than by the Florida Department of State.

This is one of the most common mistakes we see people make when trying to handle an apostille themselves.

4. Divorce Decree

Previously married?

You may be required to provide proof that your previous marriage legally ended.

An apostilled divorce decree may be requested when:

• Getting married abroad

• Applying for citizenship

• Completing residency paperwork

• Registering your civil status

• Handling inheritance or estate matters

Court documents can have specific certification requirements, so it's important to make sure you have the correct version before requesting an apostille.

5. Diploma or Transcript

Moving overseas for school or employment?

Your diploma, degree, transcript, or other educational records may need authentication.

These documents may be requested for:

• University admission

• International employment

• Professional licensing

• Teaching positions

• Work visas

• Credential verification

Educational documents can require additional preparation before an apostille can be issued, depending on the document and issuing institution.

6. Power of Attorney

A power of attorney can be extremely useful when you need someone to act on your behalf in another country.

It may be needed for:

• Buying or selling property

• Banking

• Business transactions

• Inheritance

• Estate matters

• Court proceedings

• Handling affairs for family members

A U.S. power of attorney may need to be properly notarized and apostilled before it can be accepted overseas.

Before signing one, confirm the required wording and format with the attorney, notary, bank, government office, or other organization that will receive it abroad.

7. Single Status Affidavit

Planning to get married overseas?

Some foreign authorities may ask for proof that you are legally free to marry.

Depending on the country, this may involve a Single Status Affidavit, sometimes referred to by other names.

If the document is created in the United States, it may need proper notarization followed by an apostille.

Because marriage requirements vary significantly from country to country, always confirm exactly what the foreign authority requires before preparing the document.

Which Countries Commonly Require Apostilled U.S. Documents?

Apostilles are used between countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention.

We assist clients preparing U.S. documents for countries including:

Italy • Spain • Portugal • France • Germany • Netherlands • Greece • Poland • Mexico • Colombia • Dominican Republic • Brazil • Argentina • Ecuador • India • Philippines • Japan • South Korea • Turkey and more.

Do My Documents Need to Be Translated?

Possibly.

Translation requirements depend on the country, document, purpose, and receiving authority.

Some authorities accept documents in English, while others require translation into the country's official language. Some countries may also have specific requirements regarding who is permitted to perform the translation.

Florida Notary & Apostille also offers certified translation services.

If you need both services, ask us about coordinating your apostille and translation together.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until shortly before their:

Visa appointment • Residency appointment • Wedding • International move • Citizenship appointment • School deadline • Property closing

Apostille processing time varies depending on the document, state or federal authority, current government processing times, and shipping.

Starting early gives you time to correct a document if something isn't acceptable.

Not Sure What Your Document Needs?

You don't have to figure out the apostille process by yourself.

Tell us:

1. What document you have

2. What state issued it

3. What country it will be used in

4. When you need it

Florida Notary & Apostille can review your information and help determine the appropriate next steps

Ready to Get Started?

Florida Notary & Apostille provides Florida and nationwide apostille coordination for documents being used around the world.

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