Are you planning to travel or work abroad? Do you need to submit important documents to a foreign government or organization? If so, you may need to get your documents authenticated through an apostille process. In this article, we’ll guide you through the apostille process in Massachusetts, including the requirements, fees, and procedures. PT. Jangkar Global Groups
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma, or power of attorney. It verifies that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is genuine and that the person who signed it had the authority to do so.
The apostille process is governed by the Hague Convention of 1961, which established a standardized procedure for the recognition of public documents among its member countries. As of 2021, there are over 118 countries that are members of the Hague Convention, including the United States and most of its major trading partners.
When Do You Need an Apostille?
You may need an apostille if you’re planning to use a public document in a foreign country for legal, commercial, or administrative purposes. For example, if you’re applying for a job overseas and need to submit a copy of your diploma or transcript, you may need to get an apostille from the state where the document was issued.
Other examples of when you may need an apostille include:
- Adoption documents
- Court orders and judgments
- Corporate documents
- Notarized affidavits
- Police clearance certificates
- Wills and probate documents
How to Get an Apostille in Massachusetts
If you need to get an apostille in Massachusetts, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Check if Your Document is Eligible for Apostille
Not all documents are eligible for apostille, and the rules may vary depending on the type of document. Generally, the document must be a public record issued by a government agency, such as a vital records office, court, or notary public.
Documents that are NOT eligible for apostille include:
- Documents issued by a private entity, such as a university or hospital
- Documents that have not been signed or sealed by a public official
- Documents that are not considered public records in the issuing state
If you’re unsure whether your document is eligible for apostille, you can contact the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office or consult a professional service provider.
Step 2: Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Document
Before you can obtain an apostille, you need to obtain a certified copy of your document from the issuing authority. This may require a fee and a waiting period, depending on the agency and the type of document.
For example, if you need to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the registry’s website at
- Fill out the online form and provide the required information, such as your name, date of birth, and parents’ names
- Pay the fee using a credit card or electronic check
- Wait for the registry to process your request and mail you the certified copy
Make sure to request multiple copies of your document if you need to use it in multiple countries or for different purposes.
Step 3: Have Your Document Notarized
Once you have obtained a certified copy of your document, you need to have it notarized by a Massachusetts notary public. The notary will verify your identity and witness your signature on the document, and affix their official seal or stamp.
Make sure to bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to the notary appointment. You may also need to provide additional documentation or information, depending on the type of document and the notary’s requirements.
If you submit your document in person, you can request expedited service for an additional fee of $50 per document. If you submit your document by mail, you can include a pre-paid return envelope for faster processing.
Conclusion
Getting an apostille in Massachusetts can be a straightforward process if you follow the requirements and procedures. However, it may take some time and effort to obtain a certified copy of your document, have it notarized. Make sure to plan ahead and allow for any delays or unexpected issues.
By obtaining an apostille, you can ensure that your public document will be recognized and accepted in the foreign country where you need to use it. This can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
