Massachusetts Exporter’s Guide: Apostille & Authentication for Used Clothing Documents

Exporting used clothing is a thriving business in Massachusetts. Many companies based in Boston and across the Commonwealth ship second-hand clothing to international buyers, charities, and commercial resellers. However, before these goods can clear foreign customs, the export documents must often be apostilled or authenticated to prove their legitimacy.

That’s where Boston Notary Service comes in. With decades of experience assisting Massachusetts businesses, freight forwarders, and exporters, we are the authoritative provider of apostille services in Boston, MA. Our office has deep roots in the city — starting in the South End and Back Bay, expanding to the Boston Seaport District, and serving clients throughout Massachusetts.

When it comes to apostille and authentication for export paperwork, accuracy, speed, and experience are essential. A single mistake can delay your shipment, cost your business thousands in storage fees, and damage relationships with your overseas buyers. At Boston Notary Service, we eliminate those risks by handling every step of the process for you.

Why Apostilles Are Required for Exporting Used Clothing

International trade is highly regulated, especially when goods cross borders. Customs officials in many countries — including Chile, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, and Haiti — require proof that your export documents are valid and issued by legitimate authorities in the United States.

This verification comes in the form of an apostille (for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention) or authentication & legalization (for non-Hague countries).

An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a document so that it will be recognized in another country. For Massachusetts businesses exporting used clothing, this step ensures your shipment clears customs without issue.

Key Export Documents That May Need an Apostille

For companies shipping used clothing overseas, the most common documents requiring apostille or authentication include:

1. Commercial Invoice – Details the buyer, seller, value, and terms of sale. Foreign customs often require this to be notarized and apostilled.


2. Packing List – Provides a breakdown of clothing items, packaging, and weights.


3. Certificate of Origin – Confirms the goods originated in the United States. Typically issued by a Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, then apostilled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.


4. Bill of Lading / Air Waybill – Shipping contract between the carrier and exporter. A notarized copy may be required for apostille.


5. Corporate Documents – Articles of Incorporation, business licenses, or company registration certificates to prove the exporter is legitimate.


6. Affidavits / Declarations – Sworn statements by company officers or shippers, often notarized before apostille.



👉 In practice, the Certificate of Origin and Commercial Invoice are the two most common documents that foreign customs require with apostille for used clothing shipments.

Massachusetts State vs. Federal Apostille

Understanding whether a document is apostilled in Massachusetts or must go through Washington, DC is critical.

Massachusetts State Apostille

Handled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts if the document is:

Notarized by a Massachusetts Notary Public.

Issued by a Massachusetts state authority (business registration, vital records, etc.).

Certified by a Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce (e.g., Certificate of Origin).


👉 Most used clothing export documents fall under this category, which means they can be processed right here in Boston.

Federal Apostille (Washington, DC)

Required if the document was issued by a U.S. federal agency, such as:

USDA Certificates.

FDA Export Certificates.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents.


👉 These must go to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC for authentication before use overseas.

For used clothing exports, federal-level apostilles are rare, since most paperwork is commercial and business-related.

The Apostille Process for Massachusetts Exporters

Here’s a step-by-step guide to how the apostille process works for used clothing shipments:

1. Document Preparation

Make sure your documents are signed.

If they are private documents (like invoices, packing lists, or affidavits), they must be notarized by a Massachusetts Notary Public.

Certificates of Origin should first be stamped by your local Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.


2. Submission for Apostille

Documents are submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Public Records Division – Apostilles & Certifications
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108


3. Processing Time

In person: Same-day service is available.

By mail: Usually 3–5 business days plus mailing time.


4. Non-Hague Countries

For countries not part of the Hague Convention, documents must go through authentication at the state level, then to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, and finally be legalized by the foreign consulate.


Exporting to Chile: Special Notes

Since Chile is a Hague Convention member, Massachusetts exporters can use the apostille process instead of full authentication/legalization.

This means:

Commercial Invoices, Certificates of Origin, and other export paperwork can be notarized, apostilled by the Massachusetts Secretary of State, and directly accepted by Chilean authorities.

This significantly reduces the time and cost compared to non-Hague countries.


Why Choose Boston Notary Service?

Exporters in Massachusetts trust us because we:

Have decades of experience in apostille services for trade and international commerce.

Provide same-day apostille service in Boston for urgent shipments.

Work closely with the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Understand the logistics community — we’ve worked with shipping companies, freight forwarders, and trucking firms across Massachusetts, including clients in the Boston Seaport, Everett shipping terminals, and Logan International Airport cargo facilities.

Offer end-to-end handling: notarization, apostille, couriering, and international shipping of completed documents.


When time is money, exporters can’t afford mistakes. That’s why companies choose Boston Notary Service as their trusted apostille provider.

Local Expertise Matters

Boston Notary Service is more than just a document service — we are part of the Massachusetts business community.

Our office was founded in Boston’s South End and Back Bay, and we continue to serve exporters in neighborhoods such as Dorchester, Roxbury, and East Boston.

We provide services to businesses in Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy, and beyond.

For clients shipping through the Boston Seaport District, we are the closest and most reliable partner for fast apostille service.


Cost of Apostille Services

When budgeting for apostille services, exporters should be aware of the following:

Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth fee: $6 per document.

Notary fees: If documents need to be notarized first.

Service fees: Professional handling fees (varies depending on urgency and number of documents).

Courier fees: If documents need to be picked up or delivered.

International shipping: FedEx, DHL, or UPS if documents are sent directly abroad.


👉 At Boston Notary Service, we provide transparent pricing upfront so you know exactly what to expect.

How to Get Started

If you are preparing to ship used clothing overseas from Massachusetts — whether to Chile, Africa, or the Caribbean — let Boston Notary Service handle your apostille process.

Steps to begin:

1. Email us your list of required documents.


2. Confirm whether you will bring originals, notarized copies, or need us to notarize them for you.


3. Tell us your deadline (same day, 3–5 days, etc.).


4. Drop off your documents in Boston or arrange courier pickup.



Contact Us Today

Don’t let paperwork delay your exports. Trust the leading Massachusetts apostille service provider to get your documents recognized abroad.

📍 Serving Boston and all of Massachusetts
📧 [email protected]
📞 617-230-6676
🌐 Boston Notary Service