If you need to authenticate a Massachusetts death certificate for legal purposes overseas, you must obtain an apostille certification. The only authority that can issue apostilles for public records originating in Massachusetts is the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The first step is requesting a certified copy of the death certificate from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. You can apply in-person at their Boston office or by mail, providing details of the deceased. Once received, Boston Mobile Notary Service can notarize the certified copy for you, offering convenient mobile notary services statewide.
After getting the certified copy notarized, you submit your application for apostille certification to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office located in Boston. The process involves completing necessary forms, paying the required fee, and including the notarized document. Be sure to submit a complete application set for each document requiring apostille certification.
The Secretary's office will process your apostille request within approximately 2-3 weeks. If approved, an apostille certification, recognized internationally, will be affixed directly onto the original death certificate.
The apostille confirms for officials abroad that the death certificate was legitimately issued by the Massachusetts government. Having the apostille attached allows the certificate to be accepted at face value in over 120 countries worldwide that are parties to the Apostille Convention. Boston Mobile Notary Service can guide you through the entire apostille application process, ensuring your documents receive proper certification for legal use overseas.






 


























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