Florida School Transcript Apostille
- Apostille for official transcripts issued by Florida schools, colleges, and universities
- Transcript must be certified and sealed by the registrar or records office
- Florida DOS apostilles only original, official, registrar-certified documents
- Required for immigration, foreign universities, credential evaluation, and employment abroad
- We help fix rejected transcripts, missing seals, and signature verification issues
At a Glance — Florida Transcript Apostille
| Document Type | Official school transcript (K–12, college, university, vocational) |
|---|---|
| Accepted Issuers | Florida public schools, private schools, community colleges, universities, vocational institutes |
| Must Include | Registrar's signature + raised seal or embossed seal + certification statement |
| Apostille Authority | Florida Department of State – Apostille Section $10 per document |
| Common Uses | University admission, study abroad, employment, visa applications, credential verification |
| Not Accepted | Unofficial transcripts, PDFs, online printouts, scanned copies |
| Processing Time | Several business days + mailing time |
What Is an Apostille-Ready Florida Transcript?
Not every transcript can be apostilled. Only official, sealed, registrar-certified educational records meet the requirements for authentication.
- • The transcript must be printed on official school letterhead.
- • Registrar must sign the document (wet signature) or apply an official digital signature.
- • Must include a certification statement: “This is a true and correct copy…” or similar language.
- • Must bear the school’s official seal (embossed, raised, or ink seal).
- • Documentation must be issued directly by the school — not by the student.
Who Must Sign the Transcript for Apostille?
Florida DOS authenticates the signature, not the transcript itself. If the signature is unverified, the apostille will be rejected.
- • Signature must belong to an authorized school official: Registrar, Student Records Director, or School Administrator.
- • Signature must match the official specimen signature on file or be verifiable.
- • If the signer changes (new registrar), the transcript must include a verification letter from the school.
Common Florida Transcripts That Need Apostilles
Almost every institution type in Florida issues documents used abroad.
- • High school transcripts from public and private schools.
- • College and community college transcripts.
- • University transcripts and degree records (University of Florida, FSU, FIU, UCF, USF, etc.).
- • Vocational school transcripts (technical programs, nursing programs, EMS, cosmetology).
- • Medical, legal, and graduate school transcripts.
- • ESL program records for international student applications.
Top Reasons Florida DOS Rejects Transcripts
These errors are the most common — and all of them are avoidable.
- • Transcript is unofficial or printed from an online student portal.
- • No registrar signature, or “digital signature” that cannot be verified.
- • No school seal or certification wording.
- • Signature belongs to a staff member who is not an authorized signatory.
- • Transcript issued outside Florida (must be apostilled by the state of origin).
- • Photocopies, scans, or PDF printouts instead of original documents.
Accepted Types of Educational Documents
Official High School Transcripts
Required for study abroad, university applications, exchange programs, and credential verification. Must include registrar certification and school seal.
College & University Transcripts
Used for graduate school, international employment, or foreign professional licensing. Must be issued directly by the registrar’s office.
Degree Verification Letters
Some foreign institutions require a separate letter confirming the degree; this letter must also be signed and sealed by the registrar.
Diploma Copies Certified by Registrar
Florida DOS can apostille a registrar-certified copy of a diploma — but not a copy certified by a notary.
Specialized Educational Records
Nursing & Medical Program Transcripts
Often required for licensing abroad. Must include program director and registrar certifications.
Technical & Vocational School Records
Highly common for trades, technical programs, cosmetology, EMS/paramedic certification, etc.
ESL & Language School Records
Frequently needed by immigration authorities or universities overseas.
Certification Exam Records
Some schools issue certified score reports or letters confirming exam completion — these can also be apostilled if signed by an authorized official.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Original, sealed transcript issued by a Florida school or university
- • Registrar’s signature with an official school seal
- • Registrar-certified diploma copy
- • Degree verification letter with signature + seal
- • Official envelope with a seal (optional but recommended)
Not Accepted
- • Unofficial transcripts
- • Student portal printouts
- • PDFs or scanned copies
- • Documents signed by teachers or advisors instead of the registrar
- • Online printouts without a signature
- • Transcripts issued from another U.S. state
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Registrar Signature: Your transcript must include the registrar’s signature in ink or a verifiable digital signature.
- School Seal: Embossed, raised, ink, holographic, or digital seal that clearly identifies the institution.
- Certification Wording: Language confirming authenticity, such as: “I certify this is an official transcript issued by [Institution].”
- Original Document: Florida DOS only apostilles original documents, not copies, scans, or emails.
- Florida Apostille Request Form + Fee: Include $10 per document (or $20 if certified by county clerk) and a prepaid return envelope.
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Unofficial or Self-Issued Printouts: Only registrar-office-issued documents can be authenticated.
- Transcripts Without a Seal: Even with a signature, a missing seal leads to rejection.
- Foreign Transcripts: Must be apostilled in the issuing country or state.
Not Sure If Your Transcript Is Apostille-Ready?
Email us a photo or PDF of your transcript — we’ll confirm if the registrar’s signature and seal meet Florida DOS requirements before you send the original.
Check My Transcript for FreeStep-by-Step: Getting Your Florida Transcript Apostilled
Step 1 — Request an Official Transcript From Your School
Contact your registrar’s office and request an official, sealed transcript specifically for apostille. Tell them it must include: • Registrar’s signature • School seal • Certification statement • Printed on official letterhead
Step 2 — Verify the Transcript Meets Apostille Requirements
Before sending, review the document: • Is it signed? • Is the seal present? • Does it look official? • Does it contain certification wording?
Step 3 — Prepare the Florida Apostille Request Form
Fill out the DOS form: • Contact information • Destination country • Document type (“Official School Transcript”)
Step 4 — Prepare Payment and Shipping
Include: • $10 per document (check/money order) • Prepaid return label (FedEx/UPS recommended) • Completed request form • Original transcript
Florida DOS Mailing Addresses:
USPS Address:
Florida Department
of State
Division of Corporations – Apostille Section
P.O. Box
6800
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6800
Courier / Walk-In:
2415 N. Monroe
Street, Suite 810
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Step 5 — DOS Issues the Apostille
Florida DOS verifies the registrar’s signature and attaches an apostille. Processing usually takes several business days plus delivery.
Step 6 — Translate if Required by Destination Country
Many foreign institutions require a certified translation of: • Transcript • Apostille
All Levels of Education
Accepted
From elementary school to graduate-level diplomas, Florida DOS apostilles any registrar-certified records.
Perfect for Study Abroad
& Immigration
Required for university admissions, work visas, permanent residency, and licensing abroad.
Registrar Must
Certify
Only school officials (not notaries) can certify educational transcripts.
Authentication of
Signature
DOS authenticates the registrar’s signature — make sure it’s verifiable.
No Photocopies
Accepted
Florida DOS does not apostille printed PDFs or student copies.
Plan 2–4 Weeks
Ahead
Getting the transcript, apostille, and translation can take 2–4 weeks.
Fees & Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Florida DOS Apostille (Registrar-Signed Transcript) | $10 | Several business days + mailing |
| Clerk of Court Certification (if required) | $20 | Varies |
| Transcript Issuance Fee | Set by school | 1–7 days |
| Certified Translation | Depends on language & length | 1–5 days |
| Courier Delivery | Varies | 1–7 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified by Michael Chen
Senior Apostille Specialist
"Florida school transcripts are often rejected because they lack the registrar's signature or the official school seal. Always ensure you have the original, registrar-certified document before sending it to Tallahassee."