How to Get an Apostille in Massachusetts

Get Your Documents Apostilled Quickly and Easily in Massachusetts

If you need to use a Massachusetts document abroad, you will likely need an apostille to ensure your document is recognized in other countries. Whether it's for immigration, education, business purposes, or legal matters, getting an apostille is an important step in the process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to obtain an apostille in Massachusetts.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. This authentication is required for international use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961). It validates documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, and court documents, making them legally recognized internationally without requiring further embassy or consulate legalization.

Steps to Get an Apostille in Massachusetts

The apostille process in Massachusetts is simple. Follow these steps to get your document apostilled:

Step 1: Obtain a Certified Document

You must begin by obtaining a certified copy of your document. This can be done by requesting a certified birth certificate, divorce decree, or marriage certificate from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or a local city or town clerk’s office.

• Make sure your document is certified with an official seal and signature to be eligible for apostille processing.

Step 2: Verify the Document’s Signature

Once you have the certified document, ensure that the signature and seal on the document are correct. The apostille will authenticate the signature of the official who issued the document, so it’s essential that the document is properly signed.

Step 3: Submit Your Document for Apostille

Submit your certified document to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for apostille processing. Here’s the official address where you can submit your document:

Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108

You can submit your document in person, by mail, or use a courier service. Make sure to include your payment (typically $6 per document) when submitting the document for processing.

Step 4: Receive Your Apostilled Document

Once your apostille is processed, you will receive your apostilled document by courier or mail, depending on your submission method. If you choose expedited service, you may receive the apostille within 1-2 business days.

Where to Get an Apostille in Massachusetts

The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office in Boston is responsible for issuing apostilles in Massachusetts. Here’s the complete address for your reference:

Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108

You can contact the office for questions or clarification, or visit their website for the latest updates on the apostille process.

Documents You Can Get Apostilled in Massachusetts

Common documents that are eligible for apostille in Massachusetts include:

• Birth Certificates

• Divorce Decrees

• Marriage Certificates

• Academic Transcripts

• Court Orders

• Powers of Attorney

• Affidavits

• Notarized Documents

Any public document issued by a government authority can typically be apostilled as long as it is in the correct certified form.

Why Get an Apostille in Massachusetts?

An apostille is required for international use of documents in countries that recognize apostilles under the Hague Apostille Convention. This means that documents with apostilles are legally accepted by the destination country’s authorities without the need for further verification.

Here are a few reasons why people commonly need apostilles:

• Immigration: To verify birth certificates, marriage certificates, or court documents for visa or residency applications.

• Education: Diplomas and academic records may require apostilles when applying for overseas study programs.

• Business: Apostilles for corporate documents, powers of attorney, and other business-related records are often required for international transactions.

• Legal: Apostilles are used for court documents, adoptions, and other legal matters that involve foreign jurisdictions.

How Long Does Apostille Processing Take?

Processing time for an apostille typically takes 5–10 business days for standard submissions. If you need your apostilled document urgently, you can request expedited processing, which may allow you to receive your apostilled document the same day or within 24 hours.

Start Your Apostille Request Today

At ApostilleMA.com, we simplify the apostille process for Massachusetts residents. Whether you need an apostille for a birth certificate, divorce decree, or any other official document, we provide fast, reliable service to get your documents certified and ready for international use.

✔ Same-day courier service in Boston
✔ Mobile notary services available in Massachusetts
✔ Fast, reliable apostille processing

📞 Call/Text: 781-226-8331
📧 Email: info@apostillema.com

For more services, you can also visit MiddlesexNotary.com for notary services and additional document authentication.