When it comes to international documents, precision, speed, and reliability matter most. Whether you need to authenticate a birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, diploma, transcript, corporate filing, or FBI background check, navigating Massachusetts apostille and authentication procedures can be daunting without expert guidance. At Boston Notary Service, we provide professional, authoritative apostille and authentication services with decades of experience assisting students, professionals, families, law firms, and corporations across Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Quincy, Brookline, and throughout the Commonwealth.

Our team understands the importance of having your Massachusetts-issued documents recognized internationally. We specialize in providing seamless apostille services for Hague Convention countries and complete authentication and consular legalization for non-Hague countries, coordinating with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, U.S. Department of State, and foreign embassies.

What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need One?

An apostille is a form of authentication issued for documents intended for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. In Massachusetts, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and certify the authenticity of signatures, seals, and the capacity of signers on notarized or certified documents. Common situations requiring an apostille include studying abroad, employment overseas, international marriage or adoption, immigration applications, and corporate operations abroad.

Without a valid apostille, foreign governments, universities, employers, or agencies may reject your Massachusetts-issued documents. Boston Notary Service ensures your documents meet all international standards so they are accepted the first time.

What Is an Apostille Stamp Service?

An apostille stamp service acts as a concierge for your document legalization process. While the apostille itself is issued by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, our services simplify the entire process by:

Reviewing documents to confirm proper notarization, certification, and authenticity

Submitting documents in person or by mail to the Secretary of the Commonwealth

Handling payments, return shipping, and expedited options

Coordinating federal authentication or embassy legalization for non-Hague Convention countries


Our expert approach prevents common errors that can delay international recognition and ensures that your documents are processed correctly, efficiently, and securely.

Massachusetts Apostille & Authentication Services We Provide

Boston Notary Service handles a wide range of document types for individuals, students, businesses, and legal professionals:

Vital Records: Birth, marriage, divorce, death certificates, and adoption records retrieved directly from Massachusetts vital records offices

Educational Documents: Diplomas, transcripts, letters of enrollment, and certificates from universities including Harvard University, MIT, Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, Tufts, Lesley University, and UMass

Corporate and Business Documents: Incorporation papers, certificates of good standing, powers of attorney, contracts, bylaws, and operating agreements

Legal and Medical Documents: Wills, affidavits, medical authorizations, and court documents

FBI Background Checks and Nationwide Reports: Authentication of federal or state-issued background checks, including coordination with the U.S. Department of State


No matter the type of document, our experienced team ensures your paperwork is properly prepared, notarized, and authenticated for international use.

Step-by-Step Massachusetts Apostille Process

1. Document Review and Preparation: Confirm that your document is properly notarized or certified.


2. Secretary of the Commonwealth Submission: We handle submission at offices in Boston, Springfield, or Fall River.


3. Federal Authentication (if required): For FBI checks or documents destined for non-Hague Convention countries, we coordinate with the U.S. Department of State and embassies.


4. Expedited Handling and Return: We offer same-day, next-business-day, and express options, delivering your authenticated documents securely and on time.



Our comprehensive process ensures accuracy, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Why Choose Boston Notary Service for Apostille & Authentication in Massachusetts?

Boston Notary Service is recognized as the authoritative provider of apostille services in Massachusetts for several reasons:

Decades of Local Experience: We’ve served thousands of clients across Greater Boston and beyond, from South End Back Bay to Worcester and Springfield.

Full-Service Solutions: We retrieve records, notarize, submit for apostille, and handle federal or embassy authentication when needed.

Fast Turnaround: Same-day, next-business-day, and expedited services ensure your deadlines are met.

Nationwide and International Reach: Through partnerships like Cal Apostilles, we provide services coast to coast and handle non-Hague Convention legalization.

Accuracy and Trust: Our meticulous process prevents costly errors that could delay your international document acceptance.


Preparing Your Documents for Apostille or Authentication

Verify the document type and ensure it is notarized or certified.

Make sure all signatures, stamps, and seals are clear and legible.

Include the destination country for non-Hague documents to coordinate additional legalization.

If mailing, include a prepaid return envelope or shipping account.

Plan ahead, even with expedited options, to avoid last-minute issues.


Processing Time and Costs

The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth charges $6 per document for apostille. Processing times vary:

DIY Walk-In: Same-day or next-business-day, depending on office and drop-off time

Mail-In Requests: 2–3 weeks

Boston Notary Service: Same-day, next-business-day, or express options, with direct handling and delivery


We provide full-service solutions that save time, prevent errors, and provide complete peace of mind.

Serving Clients Across Massachusetts and Beyond

Boston Notary Service has proudly assisted clients from all over Massachusetts and internationally, including:

Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Quincy, Somerville, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Newton, Fall River, Lawrence, and beyond.

Our clients range from students preparing for study abroad, families handling international adoptions, corporations expanding overseas, to attorneys needing legal documents authenticated. We also assist international clients coordinating from abroad, handling embassy legalization, federal certification, and document translations when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much does an apostille or authentication cost in Massachusetts?
A: State fee is $6 per document. Our services include retrieval, notarization, expedited handling, and shipping, providing transparent pricing tailored to your needs.

Q: How long does the process take?
A: DIY walk-ins can be same-day or next-business-day. Mail-in requests typically take 2–3 weeks. Our service offers expedited options for urgent needs.

Q: Can you apostille any Massachusetts-issued document?
A: Yes, as long as it is properly notarized or certified. Out-of-state documents require authentication from the issuing state.

Q: Do I need to visit in person?
A: No. We handle submissions, pickups, and deliveries across Massachusetts, making the process convenient and secure.

Q: Can you handle non-Hague Convention countries?
A: Yes. We coordinate with the U.S. Department of State and foreign embassies to complete authentication and consular legalization.

Contact Boston Notary Service

For fast, reliable, and professional Massachusetts apostille and authentication services, trust Boston Notary Service. We manage every step to ensure your documents are legally accepted abroad.

📍 Serving Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Quincy, and all of Massachusetts
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call/Text: 617.230.6676
🌐 Website: Boston Notary Service



Managing international documents doesn’t have to be complicated. Boston Notary Service combines decades of experience, local expertise, and nationwide reach to provide authoritative apostille and authentication services across Massachusetts. Whether for personal, educational, legal, or corporate documents, we ensure your paperwork is prepared, notarized, and authenticated correctly the first time. Trust the leading Massachusetts apostille experts—your documents are in the right hands.