APOSTILLE GUIDE
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that makes a U.S. document legally valid in another country. Here's what it is, when you need one, how it differs from a notarization, and how to get one in Massachusetts.
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Proof your document is genuine
Issued by the state or federal government, attached to your document.
- Accepted in 130 Hague Convention countries
- Massachusetts apostilles come from the Secretary of the Commonwealth
- Federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State
- Non-Hague countries need embassy legalization instead
What an apostille does
When you need an apostille
Studying or working abroad
Diplomas, transcripts, enrollment letters and background checks. See Diplomas & Transcripts and Federal & FBI Apostille.
Marriage, citizenship and family
Birth, marriage and death certificates, and divorce decrees. See Personal Documents.
Property and legal matters abroad
Powers of attorney, affidavits and court documents. See Power of Attorney Apostille.
Business
Corporate documents, certificates of good standing and FDA certificates. See Law Firm Services and Life Sciences.
Apostille, notarization and legalization: what's the difference?
| What it is | Who does it | |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization | A notary verifies the signer's identity and witnesses the signature. Often the first step before an apostille. | A notary public |
| Apostille | A certificate confirming the signature and seal on a document are genuine, for Hague Convention countries. | The Secretary of State where the document was issued, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents |
| Embassy legalization | A chain of certifications ending at the destination country's embassy, for countries outside the Hague Convention. | The state, the U.S. Department of State, then the embassy. See Embassy Legalization |
How to get an apostille in Massachusetts
- 1
Start with the right version of your document
Vital records need a certified copy. Many other documents, such as diplomas, powers of attorney and affidavits, need to be notarized first.
- 2
Send it to the right office
Massachusetts documents go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Documents from other states go to that state. Federal documents, including FBI background checks, go to the U.S. Department of State.
- 3
Get it back, ready to use
The apostille is attached to your document. A Massachusetts apostille usually takes 1–2 business days once the document is ready.
We handle every step: notarization, apostille processing for Massachusetts, all 50 states and federal documents, and tracked return shipping. See Apostille Services.
Going to a country that doesn’t accept apostilles? Your document needs authentication instead: Massachusetts certification, U.S. Department of State authentication and embassy legalization. See document authentication for how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apostille the same as a notarization?
No. A notarization verifies who signed a document. An apostille verifies the official signature or seal on a document, including a notary's, so a foreign country will accept it.
Does an apostille expire?
The apostille itself doesn't expire, but the country or office receiving it may only accept documents issued within a certain time, often 6 or 12 months. Check with the recipient.
Which countries accept an apostille?
The 130 countries and territories in the Hague Apostille Convention. See Apostille Countries for the full list and which countries need embassy legalization instead.
Can I apostille a copy of my document?
It depends on the document. Vital records need a certified copy from the issuing office. For some other documents, a notarized copy is accepted. We'll tell you which applies when you request a quote.
Do I need a translation too?
Some countries require a certified or sworn translation along with the apostille. See Certified Translation.
Not sure what your document needs?
Tell us the document and where it's going, and we'll map out the exact route.