Apostille and Authentication Certificate
Overview
An apostille certifies the authenticity of a document for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It is typically required for legal, educational, business, and personal documents intended for international use.
On the other hand, an authentication certificate is used for documents intended for countries that are not part of the Hague Convention. At Angie’s Mobile Notary, I offer both notarial and apostille or authentication services for documents requiring certification from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
What's Included
- Notarization of Documents Requiring Apostille: Ensuring your document is properly executed and notarized before submission for apostille certification.
- Apostille Services: Assisting with obtaining the apostille certification from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- Document Eligibility Assistance: Verifying that your document meets the necessary requirements for apostille certification.
- Certified Copies of Notarized Documents: Providing certified copies if needed before submitting for apostille processing.
- Mobile Notarization and Apostille Services: I will conveniently travel to your location to notarize documents before submission for the apostille. Once the apostille is obtained from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I will personally deliver the certified documents to you.
- Types of Documents Eligible for Apostille: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, legal contracts, adoption paperwork, and more.
What to Expect
Notarization and Apostille Services: I will ensure your document is properly signed, notarized, and meets all legal requirements before submission for apostille certification.
Review of Document Requirements: I will verify that your document qualifies for apostille certification and provide clear guidance on the necessary steps before submission.
Mobile Service for Added Convenience: I offer flexible mobile notarization, meeting you at your home, office, or any preferred location to notarize your documents. Once the apostille is obtained, I will personally deliver the certified documents to you.
Submission to the Secretary of the Commonwealth: I will handle the apostille process directly with the Massachusetts Secretary of State on your behalf.
Fast and Reliable Service: I ensure your documents are notarized accurately to prevent delays or rejections. Please note that depending on the number of documents, the Secretary of the Commonwealth may require additional business days to process and issue apostilles for all documents.
Secure and confidential handling: Your sensitive documents are treated with the utmost professionalism and discretion throughout the process.
Service Area
Providing professional mobile notarization services throughout Massachusetts, ensuring convenience and accessibility wherever you are.
Service Areas Include
- Greater Boston Area
- Worcester and Central Massachusetts
- Springfield and Western Massachusetts
- Cape Cod and the Islands
- North Shore and South Shore
- Lowell, Lawrence, and Merrimack Valley
Schedule an appointment today!
Requirements
- Original document or certified copy: The document requiring an apostille must be the original or a certified copy.
- Valid government-issued photo ID: The signer must present valid identification that matches the document.
- Completed document: The document must be fully completed before notarization.
- Understanding of the apostille process: The signer must be aware that, although the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office is the sole authority in Massachusetts authorized to issue an Apostille or Authentication, I will handle the entire process directly with them on your behalf
Payment for services
- Fees will be confirmed before the appointment, with multiple payment options available.
FAQs about Apostille and Authentication Certificate in MA
In Massachusetts, documents that can be apostilled or authenticated include:
- Personal (birth, marriage, death certificates, passports)
- Educational (diplomas, transcripts, degrees)
- Business & Legal (POA, corporate documents, contracts)
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth issues apostilles for Hague Convention countries and authentications for others. Let me know if you need notarization before apostille processing!
The processing time for an apostille request through my services depends on the method chosen:
- Standard Processing: 5-10 business days (varies based on state workload).
- Expedited Processing: 2-3 business days (when available).
- Same-Day Service: Available for up to 3 documents, must be requested and notarized by noon, and will incur additional charges.
I can assist with notarization, document preparation, and submission to ensure a smooth process. Let me know how I can help!
Yes, I can assist with obtaining an apostille for the international use of legal documents in Massachusetts. I handle notarization, document preparation, and submission to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Expedited and same-day services are available with conditions. Let me know how I can help!
Yes, expedited apostille services in Massachusetts incur additional fees. Costs vary based on:
- Processing Time
- Delivery Options
I provide clear, upfront pricing based on your needs. Let me know if you'd like a quote!
In Massachusetts, an apostille is for Hague Convention countries, while an authentication certificate is for non-Hague countries and requires further legalization. Both are issued by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Let me know if you need assistance with notarization before processing!
I do provide translation services for Spanish and Portuguese documents requiring an apostille. For other languages, I can assist in coordinating certified translations. Translations must be certified and notarized before submission for an apostille. Let me know how I can help!
Yes, I can assist with authenticating educational degrees and transcripts for use abroad. This includes notarization, obtaining an apostille for Hague Convention countries or an authentication certificate for non-Hague countries, and submission to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. I also provide Spanish and Portuguese translations if needed. Let me know how I can assist!
For apostille requests on documents issued outside Massachusetts, I follow these steps:
- Verify the Issuing State
- Notarization (if needed)
- Guide Clients to the Correct Authority
- Translation Services
Let me know how I can assist with your apostille request!
Yes, marriage certificates issued in Massachusetts are eligible for apostille certification. The document must be an official certified copy from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records or the issuing city/town clerk. The apostille is obtained from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth for use in Hague Convention countries. Let me know if you need assistance!
Submitting an apostille request to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth involves:
- Obtain a Certified Document
- Notarization
- Complete the Apostille Request Form
- Submit the Request
- Pay Applicable Fees
Let me know if you need assistance with notarization or submission!