# How long does an apostille take? The 2 timelines you need to know

> An apostille has 2 timelines: ours, for review and filing, and the issuing authority’s. See what speeds it up and what slows it down.

https://roxotranslations.com/2026/11/05/how-long-does-an-apostille-take/

How long an apostille takes depends on two timelines that run separately: ours, for review and filing, and that of the authority that issues the apostille, which we do not control. Both appear separately in your quote, so you know what depends on us and what depends on the government.

Anyone promising one fixed turnaround for the whole apostille is making a promise on the government’s behalf. The honest answer is to show both parts.

See the Apostille Service

## Key takeaways

- An apostille has 2 timelines: the service’s and the issuing authority’s.

- The authority’s timeline is controlled by no one but the authority.

- Both timelines appear separately in the quote.

- A digital document skips mailing time; paper goes by tracked mail.

- The check before payment prevents refusals, which cause the longest delays.

## Table of contents

- The 2 apostille timelines

- Who issues it and why the timeline changes

- What slows it down and what speeds it up

- How to read the timeline in the quote

- FAQ

## The 2 apostille timelines

TimelineWhat it coversWho controls it

ServiceDocument review and filingRoxo

AuthorityIssuing the apostilleThe authority of the country that issued the document

## Who issues it and why the timeline changes

An apostille is always issued by the authority of the country that issued the document. A Florida document goes to the Florida Department of State, in Tallahassee, and we file it for you, in person or by mail. A Brazilian document goes to a registry authorized by the CNJ, and the Brazilian apostille is electronic, so you do not need to travel. Each authority has its own pace, which is why its timeline appears separately.

## What slows it down and what speeds it up

- Digital or paper: a digital file is sent right away; paper goes by tracked mail to our address in Windermere, or by an arranged handover.

- Clerk certificate: a document certified by a Florida Clerk of the Court goes through the certificate of incumbency.

- Document version: a wrong or expired version is a reason for refusal, and a refusal restarts the clock.

- New digital copy: in Brazil, a new digital copy of a certificate can be apostilled electronically.

## How to read the timeline in the quote

In the quote, our timeline and the authority’s come on separate lines. If the apostille is refused because of our mistake, we redo it at no cost; if the problem is the document, we tell you what has to change. The check before payment exists so that this almost never happens.

## FAQ

### How long does an apostille take?

There are two clocks: ours, for review and filing, and the issuing authority’s, which we do not control. Both appear separately in your quote.

### Who apostilles a Florida document?

The Florida Department of State, in Tallahassee. We file it for you, in person or by mail.

### Do I need to travel to Brazil to apostille a Brazilian document?

No. The Brazilian apostille is electronic, and our partner registry covers all 27 states.

### How do I send a document for an apostille?

If it is digital, send the file. If it is on paper, by tracked mail to our address in Windermere, or by an arranged handover.

### What delays an apostille the most?

A refusal, caused by a wrong or expired version of the document. That is why we check the document before payment.

## Working against a deadline?

Tell us the document and when you need it. We show you both timelines before you pay.

See the Apostille Service

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