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Apostilles for certified translations, coordinated from Miami
When a translated document has to be used in another country, the receiving authority often wants more than a translation. It wants proof that the document is authentic. That proof is usually an apostille.
Lingua. coordinates the whole chain in one order: the certified translation, the notarization of the translator’s certification and the apostille. You don’t need to visit a notary or deal with the state office yourself.
The service works online for customers throughout the United States. You upload your documents, we coordinate each step from Miami, and the completed apostille is shipped to you.
Please note: our apostille service is available for eligible documents handled through Lingua.’s translation, certification and notarization workflow. We do not obtain apostilles for original foreign-issued documents.
What an apostille is
An apostille is a certificate issued by a designated government authority. It confirms that the signature, seal or stamp on a public document is genuine, so the document can be used in another country that belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention. Between member countries, the apostille replaces the older, slower chain of embassy legalization.
An apostille does not certify what a document says, and it does not certify a translation. It authenticates the official who signed or sealed it. In Florida, the Department of State issues apostilles for documents notarized by a Florida notary public, and for certain state and county records.
Every U.S. state has its own apostille office, usually the Secretary of State, and procedures, fees and processing times differ from state to state. Federal documents follow a separate route through the U.S. Department of State. Because Lingua. translations are notarized in Florida, their apostilles follow the Florida process.
Why apostilles are required
A foreign office has no easy way to verify a U.S. notary’s signature or a county clerk’s seal. The apostille gives it a standard, internationally recognized confirmation. You may be asked for one when you:
- apply for residency, a visa or citizenship by descent abroad
- marry, register a birth or change your name in another country
- enroll in a foreign university or have qualifications recognized
- open a company, sign a power of attorney or handle property abroad
- submit documents to a foreign court or government office
Apostille, notarization and certified translation compared
The three are often confused because they frequently travel together. Each one confirms something different.
| Step | Who provides it | What it confirms |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | The translator or translation company | The translation is complete and accurate, and the translator is competent in both languages. |
| Notarization | A notary public | The identity of the person who signed the certification. The notary does not review the translation. |
| Apostille | A government authority, such as the Florida Department of State | The notary’s signature and seal are genuine, so the document can be used in a Convention country. |
How the chain works for a translated document
Because the apostille authenticates the notary, the notarization is what makes a translation eligible. That is why notarization is required for every apostille order.
- Step 1TranslationA professional translator translates the full document.
- Step 2CertificationA signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy is attached.
- Step 3NotarizationThe translator’s signature on the certificate is notarized.
- Step 4ApostilleThe state authority authenticates the notarization.
Example: a Hungarian birth certificate translated into German for use in Germany. The German translation is certified and notarized in Florida, and the apostille is issued on that notarization. The original Hungarian certificate does not receive an apostille.
Why the destination country matters
Requirements are set by the country, and often the specific office, that will receive your document.
- Hague Convention countries generally accept an apostille in place of embassy legalization.
- Countries outside the Convention usually require a different route, such as authentication followed by embassy or consular legalization. We review these requests before you pay anything.
- Some offices have extra translation rules. A few require translations made by a translator registered in their own country. Membership in the Convention alone doesn’t guarantee that every office will accept a U.S.-apostilled translation, so check with the recipient.
Documents we commonly translate and apostille
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, diplomas and transcripts, powers of attorney, court documents and corporate records, each as a certified translation prepared by Lingua.
Check your situation
Answer four quick questions to see which route usually applies. This is a general guide, not an official eligibility decision; we confirm every order before processing.
Regular and rush apostille coordination
Approximately 2–4 weeks. Charged per document, not per page.
Approximately 5–7 business days, with the price confirmed individually before you commit.
Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. The apostille itself is issued by a government office, and its processing time is outside our control; rush service is how quickly we coordinate each step on our side. We don’t offer same-day or next-day apostilles. Certified translation and notarization are priced separately, and notarization is charged once per order. The order form shows every item before you pay.
How to request an apostille with your translation
- Start an apostille order and upload a clear photo or scan of your document.
- Choose the target language and tell us the country where the document will be used.
- Mark which documents need an apostille. Three birth certificates need three apostilles; one five-page decree needs one.
- Enter your delivery address. Completed apostille orders are shipped to you.
- Review the itemized total before payment. If your destination needs a review, you’ll request a confirmed quote instead of paying online.
Start Apostille Order Request Rush Apostille
Rush requests go to [email protected]. Not sure the document needs translation first? Read our certified translation guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you apostille my original foreign birth certificate?
No. An apostille for an original document comes from the country that issued it. We arrange apostilles for certified, notarized translations that we prepare in the United States.
Is the apostille charged per page?
No. Translation is charged per page; the apostille is charged per separate document. A five-page decree needs one apostille.
Is notarization required?
Yes. The apostille authenticates the notarization of the translator’s certification, so every apostille order includes it. It is charged once per order.
Can you guarantee a delivery date?
No. Government processing is outside our control. Regular coordination takes approximately 2–4 weeks, and rush coordination approximately 5–7 business days when available, plus shipping time.
What if my country isn’t part of the Hague Convention?
Your document will usually need embassy or consular legalization instead. Tell us the destination and we’ll review the requirements and confirm the price before any payment.