If you need to use U.S. documents abroad, an apostille is often required to make them legally valid. But the process for obtaining an apostille isn't the same across all states. In this article, we'll walk you through the apostille procedures in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, including how to apply, how much it costs, and what to expect in 2025.

Apostille in North Carolina (NC)

In North Carolina, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State. You can apostille a wide range of documents, including:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates

• Diplomas and academic transcripts

• Notarized powers of attorney

• Business and legal documents

Key requirements:

• The document must be notarized in North Carolina, or issued by a North Carolina agency.

• Vital records (like birth certificates) must be certified copies from the local register or state office.

• You can submit your documents by mail or in person.

Fee: $10 per apostille
Processing time: Typically 1–3 weeks (faster with expedited couriers or document services)

Apostille in South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina has one of the fastest apostille services in the region. Apostilles are issued by the SC Secretary of State for documents that are:

• Issued or notarized in South Carolina

• Properly signed by an authorized official, judge, clerk, or notary

How to apply:

• Mail or deliver the original document to the Secretary of State in Columbia, SC

• Clearly indicate the country where the document will be used

Fee: $5 per document
Processing time: Usually 2–3 business days, not including mailing time
Note: Birth and marriage certificates must be issued by the South Carolina Department of Health (DHEC).

Apostille in Florida (FL)

Florida has a high volume of apostille requests due to its large international population. Apostilles here are issued by the Florida Department of State – Division of Corporations in Tallahassee.

Accepted documents:

• Certified vital records (birth, marriage, death)

• Court documents, business licenses, notarized papers

• Academic records and diplomas from Florida institutions

Important:

• For birth or marriage certificates, you must first order certified copies from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.

• Then, submit them to the Florida Department of State for apostille.

Fee: $10 per document (add $10 if the document is from a court)
Processing time:

• Standard: 10–14 business days

• Walk-in (in Tallahassee): Same-day service available
  Payment: No cash or cards accepted — only checks or money orders from U.S. banks

Comparing Apostille Services by State

Tips for a Smooth Apostille Process

• Double-check notarization: Most documents must be notarized before apostille.

• Use certified copies: Especially for birth, marriage, and death certificates.

• Include the correct country name: Apostilles are issued for use in specific countries — be sure to write the destination country on your form.

• Don’t send originals unless required. Some documents (like diplomas) may not be returned.

Who Needs an Apostille?

You may need an apostille if you're:

• Getting married abroad

• Applying for dual citizenship

• Sending documents to a foreign consulate

• Studying, working, or moving overseas

• Handling legal or business matters internationally

More than 120 countries accept apostilles under the Hague Apostille Convention — including Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Spain, and many more.

 Need Help with Apostille in NC, SC, or FL?

We offer professional apostille services for all 50 states — including fast, secure processing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. Whether you're dealing with personal, academic, legal, or business documents, we handle every step of the process for you.