Documents issued or notarized in Massachusetts are apostilled by the Commissions Section, Public Records Division (Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts). The office authenticates the signatures of Massachusetts public officials — registrars, court clerks, state agencies — and Massachusetts-commissioned notaries public, then attaches an apostille for Hague Convention countries or an authentication certificate for all others.
Issues apostilles for Hague countries and 'Certifications of Appointment' (confirming the notary was commissioned) for non-Hague countries.
Where to file
| Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section, One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108 | |
| In person | One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108 (also 436 Dwight St, Room 102, Springfield, MA 01103 and 218 South Main St, Suite 206, Fall River, MA 02721) Boston counter: up to 3 documents handled at the counter; 4 or more are picked up after 3pm the next business day; drop-offs after 4pm are picked up next business day, no exceptions. Springfield office hours 8:15am-4:30pm M-F. Regional office document limits and turnaround vary. |
| Request form | Official request form |
| Official page | https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commissions/apostilles.htm |
How to get a Massachusetts apostille
- Confirm the document is a Massachusetts public document
The Commissions Section, Public Records Division authenticates signatures of Massachusetts officials and Massachusetts-commissioned notaries only. Documents from other states go to their own state; federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
- Prepare the request
Complete the request form (official form), naming the destination country so the office issues an apostille (Hague country) or an authentication certificate (non-Hague country).
- Submit the document, fee and return envelope
Submit by mail to Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section, One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108; in person at One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108 (also 436 Dwight St, Room 102, Springfield, MA 01103 and 218 South Main St, Suite 206, Fall River, MA 02721) (Boston counter: up to 3 documents handled at the counter; 4 or more are picked up after 3pm the next business day; drop-offs after 4pm are picked up next business day, no exceptions. Springfield office hours 8:15am-4:30pm M-F. Regional office document limits and turnaround vary.). The fee is $6 per document.
- Receive the apostille
Processing: 2-3 weeks for mailed requests. Keep the apostille attached and translate afterward if the destination requires it.
Fees and processing time
Fee: $6 per document. Check or money order payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts; cash not recommended by mail; credit cards not accepted as prepayment for express return shipping (must supply prepaid envelope with billing account number).
Processing time: 2-3 weeks for mailed requests
Documents Massachusetts will apostille
- Documents notarized by a Massachusetts notary public or justice of the peace
- Certified vital records (birth, marriage, death)
- Certified court documents (divorce decrees)
- City/town clerk certified documents
- In-state school transcripts/diplomas certified by registrar before a notary
Not accepted or commonly rejected
- Out-of-state documents (must be certified by state of origin)
- Out-of-state school transcripts and diplomas
- Photocopied signatures
- Federal documents
Notarized documents
Notary must sign exactly as commissioned, complete the notarial certificate, show commission expiration date, and affix a legible seal. Notaries may not certify or authenticate photographs. Photocopied signatures cannot be certified.
Massachusetts does not require county clerk certification of notarized documents before the state apostille.
General rules: notarized documents and apostilles.
Birth, marriage and death certificates
Birth records: certified copy from Registry of Vital Records (617-740-2600) or the city/town clerk where recorded. Marriage: certified copy from the city/town clerk where the license was filed. Divorce: certified copy from the district court clerk.
See the document guides for birth, marriage and death certificates.
Massachusetts-specific points
- Three walk-in locations: Boston, Springfield and Fall River all affix apostilles.
- Boston counter cap of 3 documents per customer; larger batches are next-business-day pickup after 3pm.
- Credit cards are refused for express-mail prepayment; you must supply a prepaid carrier envelope with your own billing account.
- In-state diplomas are apostilled only after the school registrar signs before a notary; the notary's signature is what gets certified.
Federal documents and non-Hague destinations
Massachusetts does not apostille federal documents. An FBI background check, Certificate of Naturalization, DD-214, IRS letter or Social Security letter issued to a Massachusetts resident is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — see the federal section. For destinations outside the Hague Convention, the Massachusetts authentication certificate must then be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and legalized at the destination's embassy (how the chain works).
Frequently asked questions
How much does an apostille cost in Massachusetts?
The Commissions Section, Public Records Division charges $6 per document. Check or money order payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts; cash not recommended by mail; credit cards not accepted as prepayment for express return shipping (must supply prepaid envelope with billing account number).
How long does a Massachusetts apostille take?
2-3 weeks for mailed requests
Can I get an apostille in person in Massachusetts?
Yes. Boston counter: up to 3 documents handled at the counter; 4 or more are picked up after 3pm the next business day; drop-offs after 4pm are picked up next business day, no exceptions. Springfield office hours 8:15am-4:30pm M-F. Regional office document limits and turnaround vary.
Does Massachusetts require county clerk certification before an apostille?
No. Notarized documents go directly to the Commissions Section, Public Records Division provided the notary is commissioned in Massachusetts and the notarial certificate is complete.
Where do I apostille a federal document issued to a Massachusetts resident?
Federal documents — FBI background checks, naturalization certificates, DD-214s, IRS letters — are never apostilled by Massachusetts. They go to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications. See the federal section.
