Massachusetts Apostille Service
Massachusetts apostilles are issued by the Commissions Section of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, with offices in Boston, Springfield and Fall River. The state fee is $6 per document. Mail requests take two to three weeks; up to three documents are done the same day at the counter.
| Issuing office | Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commissions Section |
|---|---|
| Where to send | One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108 (also Springfield and Fall River) |
| State fee | $6 per document |
| Mail processing | Two to three weeks |
| In person | Up to three documents the same day; four or more ready after 3 p.m. the next business day |
| How to submit | By mail or in person, with the Apostille and Certification Authentication Form |
| Our service fee | $195 per document, plus the state fee |
Fees checked October 2026 against the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commissions Section.
Apostille Request Form
How long does an apostille take in Massachusetts?
Mail requests: two to three weeks. In-person requests: up to three documents the same day; four or more ready after 3 p.m. the next business day.
Allow extra time for shipping in both directions. A missing certification or the wrong type of copy sends a document back and restarts the clock, so we check yours before it is submitted.
An FBI background check is federal, not a Massachusetts document. It goes to the U.S. Department of State, where regular processing takes 7 to 8 weeks. We offer an expedited FBI apostille in 10 business days.
How much does a Massachusetts apostille cost?
The state fee is $6 per document, charged by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commissions Section. Our service fee is $195 per document, which covers document review, submission to the state and return of your originals. Processing time is 10 business days, depending on state delays. Shipping and translation are quoted separately.
How to get an apostille in Massachusetts: step by step
- Get a document with the original signature of a Massachusetts notary, city or town clerk, court clerk or the Registrar of Vital Records.
- Complete the Apostille and Certification Authentication Form.
- Mail or bring it to One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108.
What to watch for with Massachusetts documents
- Photocopied signatures are not accepted.
- Transcripts and diplomas must be certified by the school in the presence of a notary.
Personal documents
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Death Certificate
- Divorce decrees and judgment
- Naturalization Certificate
- Adoption dossier
- Copy of passport
- Copy of drivers license
- Deeds and wills
- Single status affidavit
- Car or automobile title
- Travel authorization
- State police record
- FBI background record
- No Record Of Marriage
- Apostille Agreement
Corporate documents
- Certificates of incorporation
- Certificates of good standing
- Certificates of origin
- Trademarks/patents
- Business power of attorney
- FDA certificates
- Invoices and free sale certificates
- Department of the Treasury (Form 6166)
- Foreign government certificate CFG
Academic documents
- University/college diploma or transcripts
- High School diplomas or transcripts
- Attendance Certificates
Along with the request form, you’ll need to mail in your original document or certified copy. Make sure to include a self-addressed and stamped return envelope so they can mail your document back once it’s been apostilled. Apostille authentication recommends using tracked mail both ways to ensure safe delivery.
This apostilled document can then be presented along with your original document to authorities overseas as proof that it is valid and came from a genuine source.
How we help with your Massachusetts apostille
You can file a Massachusetts apostille yourself with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commissions Section. Many people use us because a rejected document costs more time than the fee.
- We check your document first. Send a photo or scan. We confirm it is the right version, signed by the right official, before anything is submitted.
- We fix what is missing. If your document needs notarizing, a new certified copy, or a county or court certification, we arrange it.
- We submit and collect. We send your documents to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commissions Section in Boston and return the apostilled originals by tracked courier, in the US or abroad.
- We handle the federal side too. FBI background checks and other federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State, not the state. We do both.
- You can talk to a person. Call (971) 514-3743 or request a video consultation.
Our fee: $195 per document, plus the Massachusetts state fee ($6 per document). 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
You can also mail your documents to us from anywhere, or visit our offices in Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Vancouver, Herndon and Houston.
Do you need a translation?
An apostille confirms the signature on your document. It does not translate it. If the country you are sending it to does not use English, the receiving office will usually ask for a certified translation as well.
We provide certified translation, so your Massachusetts document can be apostilled and translated in one order. Each translation comes with a signed certificate of accuracy.
Order matters. Some countries want the translation done after the apostille so the apostille page is translated too; others have their own translator requirements. Tell us the country and we will confirm the correct order before you pay. Contact us for a translation quote.
Related apostille services
Massachusetts apostille FAQ
How much does a Massachusetts apostille cost?
The state fee is $6 per document, charged by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commissions Section. Our service fee is $195 per document, plus the state fee.
How long does a Massachusetts apostille take?
Mail requests: two to three weeks. In-person requests: up to three documents the same day; four or more ready after 3 p.m. the next business day.
Where do I get a Massachusetts apostille?
Massachusetts apostilles are issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commissions Section in Boston.
Can Massachusetts apostille my FBI background check?
No. FBI background checks are federal and are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. We handle that for $195 with regular processing in 7 to 8 weeks, or $390 expedited in 10 business days.
Do I need an apostille or an authentication?
Countries in the Hague Apostille Convention accept an apostille. Other countries need an authentication followed by embassy legalization. Tell us the country and we will confirm which applies.
Can you apostille a Massachusetts document if I live outside Massachusetts?
Yes. Mail us the document from anywhere in the world and we return it by tracked courier.
Source: Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commissions Section. Last checked October 2026.