How to Apostille a Massachusetts Notarized document (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Massachusetts notarized document, have the document notarized. Some states require the county clerk to certify the notary first. 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 | Have the document notarized. Some states require the county clerk to certify the notary first. |
| Mail time | 5–10 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Required — Some notarized documents from certain jurisdictions may need a register-of-probate or clerk certification first. |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Have the document notarized. Some states require the county clerk to certify the notary first. In Massachusetts, massachusetts vital records come from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.
Step 2 — County clerk pre-certification
A notarized document is notary-based, so Massachusetts requires the county clerk who oversees the notary to certify the notary's authority first. Some notarized documents from certain jurisdictions may need a register-of-probate or clerk certification first.Skipping this is a common cause of rejection. The county pre-certification guide explains it in full.
Step 3 — 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 4 — 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
- The notary's authority is not certified by the county where required
- The notary stamp is expired or illegible
Who typically needs this
Parental consent-to-travel letters.
Notarized passport or ID copies.
Miscellaneous foreign-requested statements.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a notarized document 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 notarized document?
No. Massachusetts apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. The notary's authority is not certified by the county where required
＋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.
＋Does my notarized document need county pre-certification?
Yes. In Massachusetts, this notary-based document is certified by the county clerk before the state apostille. Some notarized documents from certain jurisdictions may need a register-of-probate or clerk certification first. The Pathway Checker confirms it for your case.
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.