Need a Florida document apostilled for use in China? Since November 7, 2023, mainland China is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. That means a Florida document bound for China now needs a single apostille from the Florida Department of State — not the old, slow consular legalization through the Chinese Embassy. Online Florida Apostille hand-files your documents in person in Tallahassee, with results in approximately 6 business days, or about 4 business days with the FedEx Priority Overnight upgrade. Call 954-999-4933 or text 850-900-2203.
Does a Florida document need an apostille or legalization for China?
An apostille. On November 7, 2023, the Hague Apostille Convention entered into force for mainland China, and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States stopped providing consular authentication for U.S. public documents. A Florida-issued or Florida-notarized document now only needs a Florida apostille to be recognized in mainland China. (Hong Kong and Macau were already covered by the apostille process.)
Which Florida documents can be apostilled for China?
- Vital records — birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Background checks — Florida FDLE criminal record checks (commonly required for China work and Z visas)
- Education documents — university degrees, diplomas, and transcripts
- Corporate documents — articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, powers of attorney, and board resolutions
- Notarized documents — single status affidavits, declarations, and powers of attorney
Florida-issued and Florida-notarized documents are apostilled by the Florida Department of State. Federal documents such as an FBI background check are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State — these are handled in Washington, D.C., not Florida.
Do I need a Chinese translation?
Usually, yes. Chinese receiving authorities typically require a certified Chinese translation of the apostilled document. Requirements vary by the specific authority — a civil affairs bureau, employer, university, or court — so confirm the exact format and translation rules with the requesting party in China before you file. We can point you to certified translation partners.
Common reasons Florida clients apostille documents for China
- Work (Z) visas — apostilled degree and Florida FDLE background check
- Business setup — WFOE registration and corporate filings
- Marriage and family — marriage registration, single status, and family reunion
- Study — enrollment at Chinese universities
- Residence permits and long-term stays
How our Florida apostille service for China works
- Call 954-999-4933 — we confirm exactly what your Chinese authority requires
- Prepare your document — obtain the certified copy or notarize as needed
- Send it to us — or use Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- We file in person at the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee
- We return it — apostille completed and shipped back in approximately 6 business days, or about 4 business days with the FedEx Priority Overnight upgrade
Cost
Our all-inclusive Florida apostille pricing starts at $199 for the first document and $75 for each additional document, covering the state fee, in-person filing, and FedEx return shipping within the contiguous 48 states. If you also need the notarization itself, our Online Notarization + Express Florida Apostille service is $299 for the first document and $100 for each additional document. See our full Florida apostille cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is consular legalization still required for China?
No. For mainland China, consular legalization was replaced by the apostille on November 7, 2023. An apostille from the Florida Department of State is now sufficient for Florida documents.
How long does a Florida apostille for China take?
With our in-person service, most documents are completed in approximately 6 business days once we receive them, or about 4 business days with the FedEx Priority Overnight upgrade — compared to weeks by mail. If you need us to handle the online notarization as well, our Online Notarization + Express service runs approximately 3 business days at $299 for the first document and $100 for each additional document.
Does an apostille guarantee my document is accepted in China?
An apostille certifies the signature, seal, and authority on your document. The receiving Chinese authority still sets its own rules on format, validity period, and translation — always confirm those before filing.
Ready to start? Call 954-999-4933 or text 850-900-2203, or see our full list of countries that accept a Florida apostille.