Question 1

Where Is Wilkerson Notary Services Located?

Accepted Answer

Wilkerson Notary Services is proudly based in Tallahassee, Florida, just minutes from the Florida Department of State. Our convenient location allows us to make daily visits to the Florida Department of State for eligible Florida apostille submissions, helping reduce delays and provide faster turnaround times. We proudly serve clients throughout Tallahassee, Leon County, all of Florida, across the United States, and internationally through our secure mail-in apostille service and Remote Online Notary (RON) services.

Question 2

How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?

Accepted Answer

Most Florida apostilles are completed in 1 to 3 business days after we receive eligible documents. Processing times may vary depending on the type of document, whether notarization is required, and whether you need a Florida apostille or a federal apostille. Federal apostilles generally take longer because they are processed by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Wilkerson Notary Services personally manages the entire apostille process from document review to secure return shipping, helping ensure your documents are completed as quickly and accurately as possible.

Question 3

What Is the Difference Between a Florida Apostille and a Federal Apostille?

Accepted Answer

A Florida apostille is issued for documents created or notarized in Florida, including FDLE background checks, birth certificates, and notarized documents. A federal apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State for federal documents, such as FBI background checks and Certificates of Naturalization. Wilkerson Notary Services handles both Florida apostille and federal apostille services to ensure your documents are submitted to the correct agency.

Question 4

Do All Countries Accept Apostilles?

Accepted Answer

No. Only countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilles. If your destination country is not a member, your documents may require authentication and embassy or consulate legalization instead. Wilkerson Notary Services will verify your country's requirements before beginning the process.

Question 5

What Happens If My Country Is Not a Hague Convention Member?

Accepted Answer

If your country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents usually require authentication and embassy legalization instead of an apostille. The exact process depends on the destination country and document type. We can guide you through the correct international document authentication process from start to finish.

Question 6

Can I Mail My Documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clients throughout Florida, the United States, and internationally can securely mail their documents to us for Florida apostille and federal apostille services. Once completed, your original documents are carefully packaged and returned using your preferred shipping method with tracking when available.

Question 7

Do I Need to Appear in Person?

Accepted Answer

No. Most clients never need to visit our office. Many documents can be mailed to us, and documents requiring notarization may qualify for Remote Online Notarization (RON). Wilkerson Notary Services makes obtaining a Florida apostille or federal apostille convenient no matter where you are located.

Question 8

Can You Apostille an FDLE Background Check?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly obtain Florida apostilles for official FDLE background checks used for immigration, dual citizenship, employment, visas, adoption, and international residency. If you still need your FDLE background check, we can also guide you through that process before obtaining the apostille.

Question 9

Can You Apostille an FBI Background Check?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FBI background checks require a federal apostille issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Because these are federal documents, they cannot receive a Florida apostille. Wilkerson Notary Services coordinates the federal apostille process from beginning to end.

Question 10

What Documents Can Be Apostilled?

Accepted Answer

Many public documents qualify for apostille services, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, court records, diplomas, transcripts, powers of attorney, business documents, FDLE background checks, and FBI background checks. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, we are happy to review it before submission.

Question 11

Can You Apostille Business Documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We apostille many types of business documents, including Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Status, corporate resolutions, contracts, powers of attorney, and other business records required for international use. We ensure your documents meet all Florida or federal apostille requirements before submission.

Question 12

Can You Apostille a Diploma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Diplomas and academic transcripts can often be apostilled for international education, employment, or licensing. Depending on how the school issued the document, additional certification or notarization may be required. We review your educational documents to ensure they are ready for apostille.

Question 13

Can You Apostille a Power of Attorney?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A properly notarized Power of Attorney can usually receive a Florida apostille for use in another country. International Powers of Attorney are commonly used for real estate, financial, legal, and family matters abroad. We can notarize your document and complete the apostille process for you.

Question 14

Do Documents Need to Be Notarized First?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the document. Certified government-issued records usually do not require notarization, while privately signed documents, such as affidavits, powers of attorney, and authorization letters, generally must be notarized before receiving an apostille. We review every document to ensure it meets current Florida or federal requirements.

Question 15

How Are Completed Documents Returned?

Accepted Answer

After your apostille is complete, your original documents are securely packaged and returned using USPS, FedEx, UPS, or another shipping option you choose. Tracking is provided whenever available so you can monitor your delivery.

Question 16

Why Choose Wilkerson Notary Services?

Accepted Answer

Wilkerson Notary Services provides trusted Florida apostille and federal apostille services for clients throughout Florida, across the United States, and internationally. We offer document review, mobile notary services, Remote Online Notarization (RON), expedited courier service, and secure return shipping, making the apostille process fast, accurate, and stress-free.

Question 17

What should I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

For in-person notarizations, please bring:
A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
The document(s) requiring notarization
Any necessary witnesses (or let us know if you need witness services)
For Remote Online Notarization (RON) appointments, you will need a government-issued ID and access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera.

Question 18

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fees vary depending on the type of service requested. For detailed pricing, please visit our Fees page. We offer transparent pricing for all services, including standard notarizations, mobile services, loan signings, and remote online notarizations.

Question 19

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can easily book an appointment 24/7 through our online booking system. If you have any special requests or need assistance with scheduling, feel free to contact us.

Question 20

Is my personal information secure?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We take your privacy seriously and handle all documents with the utmost care. Our Remote Online Notarization platform is secure, encrypted, and fully compliant with Florida’s legal standards to ensure the confidentiality of your personal information.

Question 21

What is your Refund and Cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

Deposits
 To secure your appointment, a deposit is required:
$40 for mobile notary services
$45 for Remote Online Notary (RON) services
$50 for apostille services

Deposits are non-refundable and will be applied toward the total cost of your service.

Refunds
If you cancel after payment is made, you will be refunded 50% of the total amount paid, less the non-refundable deposit.
Cancellations made within two (2) hours of your scheduled appointment are not eligible for any refund.
For mobile services, if we are already in transit to your appointment or arrive at the signing location and the signing does not occur for any reason, no refunds will be issued.
If you or any signer fails to pass the ID verification process, no refunds will be issued.
A 15-minute grace period is allowed for late arrivals. If signer(s) are not present or prepared within this timeframe, the appointment may be canceled at the notary’s discretion, and no refunds will be issued.

Payment Policy
 After your documents have been reviewed, an invoice for the remaining balance will be sent. The full balance must be paid before services are provided.

Agreement
 By submitting payment, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the deposits, refunds, and payment policies of Wilkerson Notary Services, LLC.

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