Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Apostille Services – Boston Notary Service

If you're preparing for an international opportunity—whether it's a new job, a residency application, or an adoption—you will inevitably encounter a long checklist of required documents.

One of the most common requests for U.S. citizens from Massachusetts is an apostilled Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) report. You may have already obtained your CORI, only to be told it needs to be "apostilled" to be valid abroad.

This requirement can feel like a sudden and confusing roadblock. What is an apostille? Why isn't the original CORI enough? How do you even begin the process?

Welcome to your complete guide. At Boston Notary Service, we specialize in transforming this complex bureaucratic hurdle into a simple, stress-free process. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the Massachusetts CORI apostille, and how our expert service ensures your document is prepared correctly and accepted anywhere in the world.




Section 1: Understanding the Core Document – The Massachusetts CORI

What is a CORI?

A CORI is an official record of an individual's criminal history within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is maintained and issued by the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS).

This report is a standard requirement for background checks within the state, but it is also frequently requested by foreign entities to verify an individual's character.

Common Scenarios Requiring an Apostilled CORI

Simply presenting your standard CORI report to a foreign government is not enough—it must be internationally authenticated. Common scenarios include:

Securing Employment Overseas – International employers, especially in education, finance, and healthcare, often require an apostilled background check.

Immigration and Visa Requirements – Long-term work visas, residency applications, and dual citizenship requests often mandate an apostilled CORI.

International Adoption – Foreign governments require thorough background checks for prospective parents.

Study Abroad & University Admissions – Some international universities require an apostilled CORI for admission or visa sponsorship.

Professional Licensing Abroad – Doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals must provide authenticated CORIs to licensing boards overseas.





Section 2: The Apostille Explained – From Local Document to Global Acceptance

The Hague Apostille Convention: A Global Agreement

The apostille process exists because of the Hague Convention of 1961, which simplified international document authentication.

Member countries of the convention (including the U.S., much of Europe, Australia, Japan, and others) accept documents with a single certificate of authenticity—the apostille—issued by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The apostille certifies:

The authenticity of the signature.

The authority of the signer.

The identity of any seal or stamp on the document.


What if the Country Isn’t in the Hague Convention?

For non-Hague countries (e.g., UAE, China, Qatar, Canada), a more complex Authentication and Legalization process is required:

1. State-Level Certification – The CORI is certified by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.


2. U.S. Department of State Authentication – The document is then authenticated in Washington, D.C.


3. Embassy Legalization – Finally, the foreign embassy or consulate stamps the document for acceptance abroad.



At Boston Notary Service, we handle both apostilles and full authentication/legalization, ensuring your CORI is valid worldwide.




Section 3: Our Step-by-Step CORI Apostille Service

We’ve designed our service to remove the burden from your shoulders. Here’s how we manage the process:

Step 1: Guidance on Document Retrieval

We guide you in requesting the correct, certified version of your CORI from the DCJIS. This prevents rejections and delays later.

Step 2: Expert Notarization and Certification

Our licensed Massachusetts Notaries Public notarize your CORI with the proper certificate, meeting strict state standards.

Step 3: Submission to the Secretary of the Commonwealth

We personally submit your notarized CORI to the Public Records Division in Boston, avoiding lines, errors, and wasted time.

Step 4: Final Review, Apostille, and Secure Delivery

We review the apostilled document for accuracy and ship it securely—via FedEx, USPS Priority, or DHL for international clients.




Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does the process take?
Our service portion is expedited (24–48 hours), but state processing times vary. We’ll give you a current estimate when you order.

2. I’m overseas—can you still help me?
Yes. We frequently handle apostilles for clients abroad. We arrange shipping worldwide.

3. Can you apostille a copy or scan of my CORI?
No. Only an original, certified CORI is eligible. We’ll guide you through obtaining one.

4. What’s the difference between a notary and an apostille?
A notary verifies identity/signature. An apostille verifies the notary’s authority, making the document valid internationally.




Why Choose Boston Notary Service?

Decades of Experience – We know Massachusetts apostille procedures inside and out.

Speed & Efficiency – Daily visits to the Secretary of the Commonwealth help us move faster.

Convenience – We handle every step, from notarization to shipping.

Peace of Mind – Avoid rejections, costly delays, and wasted effort.





Ready to Get Started?

Don’t let paperwork stand in the way of your international plans. Contact Boston Notary Service today for professional, reliable assistance with your Massachusetts CORI apostille.

📍 Serving all of Massachusetts, including Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and the Seaport District.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 617-230-6676
🌐 Apply Online: Boston Notary Service – Apostille Order Form

Trust the experts—Boston Notary Service is your partner for secure and efficient CORI apostille services.