How to Get an Apostille for a Copy of Your Passport

Massachusetts Apostille & Notary Experts – Fast & Reliable

When traveling, studying, working, or conducting legal matters abroad, one of the most requested documents for verification is your passport. However, foreign authorities often require more than just a copy—they need it apostilled. If you're in Massachusetts and wondering how to get an apostille for a copy of your passport, you're in the right place.

At Boston Notary Service and Colon Constable Services, we offer full-service apostille support—from notarization of your documents to expedited apostille processing—ensuring you meet every international requirement smoothly and quickly.



What is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate issued by a competent authority that validates the authenticity of a public document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This process replaces the need for embassy legalization, simplifying international document use.

In the United States, apostilles can be issued by:

The Secretary of the Commonwealth (state-level documents in Massachusetts)

The U.S. Department of State (for federal documents)


Since passports are federal documents, but a copy of your passport is notarized at the state level, the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth can apostille the notarized copy when properly certified.



Why Can't You Apostille an Original Passport?

Passports are government-issued federal documents, and originals cannot be altered or submitted for apostille. Instead, the correct process is to:

1. Make a color copy of the photo and signature page.


2. Have a Massachusetts notary public certify it as a true copy.


3. Submit the notarized copy for apostille.



Our team at Boston Notary Service and Colon Constable Services is experienced in this process and can notarize your passport copy in person or by appointment anywhere in the Greater Boston area.



Common Reasons You Need an Apostille for a Passport Copy

Clients come to us for apostille services for many reasons. Here are just a few situations where an apostilled copy of your passport is required:

Applying for dual citizenship or residency

Opening a bank account abroad

Filing legal documents for international property transactions

Applying for visas or student permits

Registering with foreign universities or employers

Marriage or legal matters in another country

International business transactions or travel visas


Whether you're submitting your documents to Italy, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, South Korea, the UAE, or any other country that participates in the Hague Convention, the apostille is the universally accepted method of validation.



Apostille Services for Passport Copies in Massachusetts

At Boston Notary Service and Colon Constable Services, we provide end-to-end apostille services, handling every step of the process:

Step 1: Notarize the Passport Copy

We make a certified copy of your passport and notarize it using proper Massachusetts notarial language that is accepted by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Step 2: Complete the Apostille Application

Our team prepares all necessary documents, including apostille request forms, notarized pages, and identification.

Step 3: Submit for Apostille

We submit the documents in person at the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office to speed up turnaround times. In some cases, if the passport copy is part of a federal application, we handle submission to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. as well.

Step 4: Return Shipping or Delivery

Choose expedited shipping, same-day courier (Boston area only), or pickup from our office.



Apostille for Non-Hague Convention Countries

If you're sending your passport copy to a country that is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, we can assist with authentication and consular legalization instead. This often involves:

Massachusetts Secretary of State certification

U.S. Department of State authentication in D.C.

Legalization at the foreign country's consulate


We regularly handle this more complex process for countries such as China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.



Apostille Turnaround Times

We offer multiple levels of service:

Same-Day Service (Boston Drop-Off) – Available for urgent needs

2-3 Business Day Expedited – Fast-track processing for standard apostille requests

5-7 Day Regular Service – Budget-friendly option


All services include tracking, real-time status updates, and expert oversight.




Why Choose Us for Passport Apostille Services?

Decades of Expertise – Serving Massachusetts and nationwide since 1995

In-Person, Mobile & Remote Options – We come to your home, office, or meet you in Boston neighborhoods like Back Bay, Seaport, Financial District, or Harvard Square

Accurate & Compliant – We know what each country requires to avoid rejections or delays

Fast Local Access – We hand-deliver documents to the Massachusetts State House in Boston and to the U.S. Department of State if needed




Order Your Apostille Online Today

Start your request in under 5 minutes:

Apply for an Apostille – Secure Online Form
You can also call or email us to discuss your needs:

Boston Notary Service
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-230-6676

Colon Constable Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-586-5482



Apostille Services Available Across Massachusetts

We proudly serve residents and businesses throughout:

Boston

Cambridge

Brookline

Newton

Quincy

Somerville

Waltham

Woburn

Worcester

Cape Cod and the Islands

No matter where you're located, we’re your go-to team for passport apostille services in Massachusetts.



Final Thoughts

If you're unsure where to begin or worried about document rejection from international authorities, don't risk it by mailing your passport copy to a random online service. Work with professionals who know how to get it done right—and fast.

Boston Notary Service are here to help you notarize, apostille, and legalize your passport copy with precision and peace of mind.


Get Started Today. International Compliance Begins with Us.