How to Apostille a Massachusetts Divorce decree / judgment (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Massachusetts divorce decree / judgment, obtain a certified copy from the clerk of the court that issued the decree. Then submit it to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section for $6 per document. Mail processing takes about 5–10 business days; same-day counter available. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $6 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section |
| Required copy | Obtain a certified copy from the clerk of the court that issued the decree. |
| Mail time | 5–10 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Obtain a certified copy from the clerk of the court that issued the decree. In Massachusetts, massachusetts vital records come from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.
Step 2 — Submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $6 per document by check or money order. Counter service in Boston.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- Only the issuing court clerk's certified copy is accepted, not a lawyer's copy
- The judge's or clerk's signature is not authenticable by the state
Who typically needs this
Remarrying abroad.
Proving single status for a foreign marriage.
Updating foreign civil records.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a divorce decree / judgment in Massachusetts?
The Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section charges $6 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my divorce decree / judgment?
No. Massachusetts apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. Only the issuing court clerk's certified copy is accepted, not a lawyer's copy
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in Massachusetts runs about 5–10 business days. A counter option (same-day counter available) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a divorce decree / judgment apostille?
People who remarrying abroad or need it for proving single status for a foreign marriage. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your Massachusetts divorce decree / judgment.
Other Massachusetts documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.