MASSACHUSETTS APOSTILLE & LEGALIZATION
Certification and Legalization of Documents
Documents that will be used outside the United States often require certification or legalization before they can be accepted by a foreign government or institution. Common examples include:
Documents that will be used outside the United States often require certification or legalization before they can be accepted by a foreign government or institution. Common examples include:
- International adoption paperwork
- Diplomas and academic records
- Marriage, birth, and death certificates
- Court judgments and criminal records
- Corporate documents, contracts, and business records used abroad
Each destination country has its own requirements, and identifying the receiving country is essential because the type of certification depends on whether the country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents going to Hague‑member countries receive an Apostille. Documents going to non‑Hague countries require Certification and Legalization.
Massachusetts‑Only Document Certification
IPS‑Notary.com is not a national apostille service. We exclusively process documents that:
- Originate in Massachusetts, and
- Bear the original signature of a Massachusetts public official
- Massachusetts Notary Public
- Justice of the Peace
- City or Town Clerk (or Assistant Clerk)
- Court Clerk (or Assistant Clerk)
- Registrar of Vital Records
