Do I Need My Document Notarized Before Getting an Apostille?

A Global Guide Written for Individuals, Universities, Businesses & Government Use

When preparing documents for international use, a question nearly everyone asks is:

Do I need to notarize my document before I can get an apostille?

In many cases, yes — notarization must occur first.
But for some official documents, notarization is not only unnecessary — it's the wrong step entirely.

This guide explains exactly when notarization is required, when it is not, and how to avoid processing delays, rejection, and wasted time. The goal is to help anyone, in any country, understand this clearly — while also giving practical processing options for clients located in or sending documents to Boston, Massachusetts.

An apostille is an international authentication that confirms:

1. The document is real
2. The authority issuing it is legitimate
3. The signature or seal is officially registered

This allows the document to be legally recognized in any Hague Convention country.

Without an apostille, foreign governments, employers, universities, embassies, or courts may reject paperwork — even if it is authentic.

Notarization Apostille Confirms the identity of the signer Confirms authority of the signer/notary Must be done first if required Comes after notarization Only valid nationally Makes the document internationally legal

You may need both steps, but only certain document types require notarization.

Already Qualify for Apostille — No Notarization Needed

These are government-issued and do not require additional authentication prior to apostille:

No Notarization Needed Notes Certified Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates Must be issued by the state or city clerk — no photocopies State Court Records Certified, original, stamped copies only Police / State Background Checks Must be government-issued Single Status Certificates (from clerk) If issued directly from the town or state

If you bring a photocopy, screenshot, or unofficial printout — it will be rejected
even if the information is correct.

Require Notarization Before Apostille Requires Notarization First Why Diplomas, Transcripts, Degrees Registrar’s signature must be notarized first Power of Attorney, Affidavits, Sworn Statements Must be signed in front of a notary Consent Letters for Minors Traveling Abroad Cannot be authenticated without notarization Business Contracts, Board Resolutions Signer authority must be verified through notary

If notarization is missing where required, apostille processing cannot begin.

1. Studying or Working Abroad

Universities in Spain, UAE, Korea, and Italy routinely request apostilled diplomas and transcripts.
These must be notarized first, then apostilled.

2. Marriage or Dual Citizenship

Birth certificates often need no notarization, but sworn affidavits do.
Processing varies by country — and knowing this saves time.

3. International Business Expansion

Power of Attorney, agreements, or corporate documents must be notarized prior to apostille for recognition overseas.

4. FBI Background Checks

Handled federally — apostille happens in Washington, D.C., not Massachusetts.

This guide solves confusion whether you're in Boston or reading this from another country preparing U.S. documents for legal use.

❌ Sending a PDF or photocopy instead of a certified original
❌ Forgetting notarization on documents that need it
❌ Using an outdated vital record certificate
❌ Sending federal documents to the state instead of Washington, D.C.
❌ Submitting school records without registrar notarization

A 60-second review can prevent weeks of delay.

Even though this article serves a global audience, our office provides hands-on apostille processing for clients in:

Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Quincy, Somerville, Seaport, Back Bay, South End, and all 351 Massachusetts municipalities, out of state clients and clients living abroad.

We also assist mail-in clients from anywhere in the U.S. or overseas.

Our Services Include:

✔ Notarization for documents requiring authentication
✔ Apostille processing through Massachusetts Secretary of State
✔ Vital record retrieval for birth, marriage, and death certificates
✔ Apostille service for academic credentials and university documents
✔ U.S. Department of State federal apostille processing
✔ International document return shipping available

Whether you're across the street or across the globe — we handle it all.

Simply email us a photo or PDF — we’ll confirm what requires notarization, what doesn’t, and get you started immediately.

Contact Boston Notary Service

📩 [email protected]s
📞 617-230-6676
🌐 BostonNotaryService.us

Fast. Experienced. Global capability — backed by Boston precision.