FEDERAL DOCUMENTS
Certificate of Naturalization and Citizenship Apostille
A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is a federal document, so Massachusetts can't apostille it. It goes to the U.S. Department of State, and in most cases the version that gets apostilled is a certified copy from USCIS, not your original. We help you get the right version and handle the federal apostille and any embassy step.
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NATURALIZATION
Federal apostille, handled
Certificates of Naturalization and Citizenship.
- Guidance on getting the right certified copy
- Federal apostille, hand-carried in DC
- Embassy legalization for non-Hague countries
- Certified translation available
Why this document is different
When people need it apostilled
- Dual citizenship or reclaiming a former nationality
- Residency or long-stay visas abroad
- Marriage abroad
- Foreign pensions and social benefits
- Inheritance and property matters abroad
- Citizenship by descent for your children or grandchildren
The receiving country decides which version it accepts. Check its requirements before you start.
How it works
- 1
Tell us the country and purpose
We confirm whether the country accepts an apostille or needs embassy legalization.
- 2
Get the right version
We explain the options for obtaining a USCIS-certified copy for your situation, and review it when it arrives.
- 3
Federal apostille
Our DC Satellite Office lets us hand-carry federal submissions to the U.S. Department of State, so your documents don't sit in the mail.
- 4
Legalize, translate and ship
Embassy legalization if required, certified translation, and tracked delivery.
Good to know
Don't photocopy your certificate
Copying a naturalization certificate without authority is restricted by federal law. Talk to us first.
Your original stays safe
In most cases you won't need to send your original certificate anywhere.
Name changes
If your name has changed since naturalization, bring the documents that link the names.
Other federal records
See Federal Document Apostille and FBI Apostille.
Mistakes we help you avoid
- Sending a notarized photocopy. The Department of State won't accept it, and copying the certificate is restricted.
- Going to the state first. No state Secretary of State can apostille a federal document.
- Assuming every country wants the same thing. Some want an apostille, others legalization, and some accept the certificate without either.
- Leaving translation for last. Many countries want the apostille translated too, so we plan translation after authentication.
Official sources
We link to official sources so you can check the current rules yourself. Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word.
How long it takes
Frequently asked questions
Can Massachusetts apostille my naturalization certificate?
No. It's a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can authenticate it.
Can you notarize a copy of my certificate?
No. Federal law restricts copying naturalization certificates, and the Department of State won't accept a notarized photocopy.
Is a Certificate of Citizenship handled the same way?
Generally, yes. It's also issued by USCIS and authenticated by the Department of State.
Can you give immigration advice?
No. We're notaries and document specialists, not attorneys, so we can't give legal advice, draft documents or explain their legal effect.
Do you work with clients outside Massachusetts?
Yes. Federal documents can be handled by mail from anywhere in the U.S.
Need your naturalization certificate apostilled?
Tell us the country and what it's for.