How to Get an Apostille in Massachusetts

Educational information, not legal advice. Fees, addresses and processing times reflect the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth and can change. Confirm current details on the official sec.state.ma.us page before you mail anything.

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Where can you get an apostille in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts lets you get an apostille in person at three walk-in offices, in Boston, Springfield and Fall River, which is unusually convenient among the states. The main office is the Commissions Section of the Secretary of the Commonwealth at One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, in Boston, and the two regional offices are at 436 Dwight Street in Springfield and 218 South Main Street in Fall River. Up to three documents are processed the same day while you wait at any of the three; four or more are ready by the next business day. Anything submitted after 4:00 p.m. is handled the following business day. That spread of offices is why "apostille in Boston" and "apostille in Springfield" are common searches: you do not have to travel to a single capital office.

Who issues apostilles in Massachusetts?

Apostilles in Massachusetts are issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth through the Commissions Section. The office authenticates the signature and seal of a Massachusetts notary or public official, issuing an apostille for Hague Convention countries and a certification for the rest. It handles Massachusetts documents only and explicitly does not authenticate federal or out-of-state documents; those must go to the federal agency or the state of origin. Like other New England states, Massachusetts keeps vital records with the city or town where the event happened as well as with the state Registry of Vital Records, so a certified birth certificate can come from either, provided it carries the registrar's signature and the state seal.

How much does a Massachusetts apostille cost?

A Massachusetts apostille costs $6 per document, which is among the lowest fees in the Northeast, well below neighbors like Connecticut. Payment is by check or money order made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the exact amount, and it helps to note the destination country on the check. Cash is not recommended, because the office cannot refund cash lost in transit. If you have read that a Massachusetts apostille costs $149 or more, those are private service fees, not the government charge. As always, the $6 is the state's fee only, and a service adds its own handling on top. The amount can change, so verify the current fee before you file.

How long does a Massachusetts apostille take?

A Massachusetts apostille is same day at the counter for up to three documents, and four or more are ready by 3:00 p.m. the next business day, so an in-person visit is by far the fastest route. A mailed request, by contrast, takes about two to three weeks, so the gap between walk-in and mail is large in this state. If you mail, include a completed request form naming the destination country, your check or money order, and a prepaid return envelope or label; the office does not charge for return shipping but you must provide the prepaid envelope. Plan ahead if a foreign deadline is firm and you cannot visit an office.

Can Massachusetts apostille an FBI background check?

No, Massachusetts cannot apostille an FBI background check, because the Secretary of the Commonwealth does not authenticate federal or out-of-state documents at all. An FBI background check is federal and goes to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. The Commissions Section authenticates documents issued or notarized in Massachusetts, such as a Massachusetts birth certificate from a city or town clerk or the state Registry, or a power of attorney notarized by a Massachusetts notary. Documents from other states go to that state's own authority instead.

By the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section (Apostilles and Certifications, sec.state.ma.us). Because this can change, check the fee and address with the office first.