Why was my notarization rejected by the apostille office?

Notarized documents which are to be used overseas usually require an apostille. This is a document issued by the Department of State which is attached to the notarized document to make it acceptable abroad. Each apostille costs $10.00, and it is the responsibility of the document holder, not the notary, to secure the apostille. However, the Department of State will not issue an apostille if the notary’s certificate does not comply with Florida Statutes.

Most notaries are not aware of all of the strict requirements of notary certificates as set forth in Florida Statutes §117.05(4). Most typically, the notary fails to print, type, or stamp their commissioned name immediately underneath their signature. This must be done in addition to affixing your official seal stamp. If you choose to "stamp" your name underneath your signature instead of printing or typing it, you must use a stamp separate from your official seal.

Another common mistake is failing to include a venue. Every time you notarize a document, the words "State of Florida, County of _____________" must appear above the notarial certificate. The county you fill in is the county where you are physically located when you notarize the document. You must also always indicate whether the signer was identified by your personal knowledge or by another form of identification, and you must specify the specific type of identification used.