Which Documents Are Required to Be Apostilled?

If you are using a U.S. document in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you will likely need an apostille.

An apostille verifies that a Massachusetts public document is authentic so it can be legally recognized overseas.

In Boston, apostilles are issued by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth at One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA.

Here is exactly which documents typically require an apostille.

Personal Documents That Commonly Require an Apostille

These are the most requested apostille services Boston clients need for immigration, dual citizenship, marriage abroad, and visa filings:

• Birth certificates, certified long form copies
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Death certificates
• Single status affidavits
• Power of attorney for use overseas
• Background checks issued by the state
• Adoption documents
• Name change judgments

Important: Vital records must be certified copies from the issuing authority. Photocopies cannot be apostilled.

If you are in Back Bay, Seaport, Downtown Boston, Fenway, Cambridge, or Brookline and preparing documents for a consulate or foreign authority, this is where most mistakes happen. People bring the wrong version of the record.

Educational Documents That Often Need Apostille

For university enrollment, foreign employment, or licensing abroad:

• Diplomas
• Transcripts
• Degree certificates
• School enrollment letters

Some schools require notarization before apostille. Others require certified copies issued by the registrar. This must be verified before submission.

If you submit the wrong format, the state will reject it.

Business and Corporate Documents That Require Apostille

For international business, banking, and real estate transactions:

• Articles of Incorporation
• Certificates of Good Standing
• Corporate resolutions
• Commercial invoices
• Business contracts
• Agency agreements
• Trademark registrations

Many corporate documents must first be certified by the Secretary of State before they qualify for apostille. This step is often overlooked.

Court and Legal Documents

• Court judgments
• Probate documents
• Affidavits
• Sworn statements
• Certified copies of court filings

These must be either certified by the court clerk or properly notarized before apostille.

Documents That Do Not Need Apostille

You do not need an apostille if:

• The document is staying within the United States
• The receiving country is not part of the Hague Convention, in that case you need authentication and legalization instead
• The document is unofficial or unsigned

If the destination country is not Hague member, the process is different and more complex.

Can a Notary Issue an Apostille?

No. A notary cannot issue an apostille.

A notary prepares the document so it qualifies. The apostille itself is issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

This distinction is critical.

How Do You Know If Your Document Qualifies?

Before submitting to One Ashburton Place, Room 1719:

• Confirm it is a public document or properly notarized
• Confirm the notary wording is compliant
• Confirm the certification is original
• Confirm the receiving country accepts apostille

Submitting the wrong version leads to rejection, delays, and missed deadlines.

Common urgent scenarios include:

• Immigration interviews
• Foreign employment start dates
• International real estate closings
• University admission deadlines
• Marriage abroad requirements

If your timeline is tight, document review is essential.

Simple Rule

If a foreign government office, university, court, or embassy asks for “apostille” on your Massachusetts document, it must go through the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

No shortcuts.

FAQ

Which documents require apostille in Massachusetts?

Certified vital records, notarized affidavits, court documents, educational records, and corporate filings used overseas.

Do birth certificates need apostille?

Yes, if they will be used in a Hague Convention country.

Do diplomas require apostille?

Yes, if required by a foreign employer or university.

Can I apostille a photocopy?

No. It must be a certified copy or properly notarized original.

How long does apostille take in Boston?

Walk in properly prepared documents can be processed same day. Mail submissions take longer.

What if my country is not Hague member?

You will need authentication and consular legalization instead of apostille.

Before submitting your document, have it reviewed.

A simple formatting mistake can cost days or weeks.

Call ‪(617) 396-7232‬

Email info@bostonnotary.com

Send a clear photo of your document for fast confirmation.

If apostille is required, we move immediately.