Translation & Apostille Preparation Guidance

YOUR REQUEST, CLEARLY PLANNED

Coordinate certification with your chosen translator.

Start with these details

• Source document and required language
• Recipient’s translation and certification instructions
• Chosen provider, destination and deadline

Request Preparation Guidance · Call (617) 230-6676

Share recipient instructions → Review certification needs → Coordinate with your chosen translator

Preparation & service details

Using a birth certificate, marriage record, diploma or other document abroad? Your recipient may ask for a translation as well as an apostille. Boston Notary Service handles document retrieval and apostille or authentication assistance; we do not provide translation services.

Before arranging a translation

• Ask the receiving organization which language and translation format it accepts.
• Confirm whether it needs the original record, its apostille, or both translated.
• Ask whether the translator must hold particular credentials or provide a certification.
• Share those instructions with your chosen translator and with us before document processing begins.

Translation and apostille are different

A translation explains the document in another language. An apostille authenticates an eligible signature or seal on the relevant document. Neither service automatically replaces the other.

How we can help

We review the retrieval, notarization where applicable, and apostille or authentication steps for your documents. You arrange translation with a separate provider. If a translator's signed certification needs notarization or authentication, tell us the issuing location and recipient's instructions so we can review the request.

Start your document request

Use Start an apostille request for retrieval with apostille or authentication assistance. Mention any translation instructions so the sequence can be reviewed before you send documents.

For other notarial requests, visit Request this service.

Call (617) 230-6676 or email Email Boston Notary Service.

Do you need an apostille and a translation?

An overseas recipient may require both the certified record and a translated version, but the order and accepted translator credentials can vary. Ask whether the translation must include the apostille, whether the recipient accepts a translator's certification and whether an original paper packet is required. Share the answers before arranging document processing.

Boston-based document preparation assistance

For a Massachusetts birth certificate, Boston-area diploma or certified court record, we can review retrieval and apostille requirements while you arrange an appropriate translator independently. We do not provide translation services. This page helps you coordinate the document steps so a translation is not ordered in the wrong format or before the required certifications are attached.

Who should confirm the translation format?

Ask the receiving organization whether it needs a certified translation, a translator’s signed statement, a particular professional credential or translation of the apostille itself. Send the instructions to your chosen translation provider before the work starts.

Can you notarize a translator’s certification?

We can review a prepared translator’s statement and the requested notarial act. Notarizing a signature is different from independently certifying the translation’s accuracy. Tell us where the translator will sign, the document’s issuer and destination so any later authentication can be reviewed.

What can I request from Boston Notary Service?

Use this page to coordinate the eligible retrieval, notarization and apostille steps around translation arranged separately. We do not provide translation services. Tell us which documents are ready and which translation instructions have been confirmed so the next step can be identified.

Hear from our clients

Read client feedback about Boston Notary Service before arranging your request. Read our Google reviews.