Hey There! Need an Apostille in Massachusetts? You’re in the Right Place
If you’re preparing documents for use abroad—whether for marriage, relocation, or business—you’ve likely come across the term apostille.
And if you’re like many of my clients, you may be wondering:
👉 How do I get an apostille for scanned documents?
👉 What are the apostille requirements USA-wide?
👉 How to apostille marriage documents correctly?
As the owner of Virtual Same Day Marriage, I help couples and families with this process every week. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get an apostille in Massachusetts—step-by-step, in plain English.
First Things First — What Is an Apostille?
Let’s start simple: an apostille is an official certification that validates a U.S. document so it can be legally recognized in another country.
👉 If your document is going to a country that’s part of the Hague Apostille Convention, it will need an apostille to be accepted.
Common reasons Massachusetts clients request apostilles:
✅ Marriage abroad
✅ Immigration or visa processes
✅ Dual citizenship
✅ International adoptions
✅ Business transactions overseas
Apostille Requirements USA — What You Need to Know
If you’ve Googled “apostille requirements USA,” you’ve probably seen that every state handles the process a little differently—but there are a few basics that apply nationwide:
✅ The document must be an original or a certified copy issued by a government agency OR a properly notarized document.
✅ The document must be destined for a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
✅ You must submit the document to the correct authority—in Massachusetts, that’s the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Can I Get an Apostille for Scanned Documents?
Here’s one of the most common questions I hear: Can I get an apostille for scanned documents?
The short answer: it depends.
👉 Scanned copies of documents are NOT accepted for apostille.
👉 You CAN apostille digitally certified documents (issued electronically with a verifiable seal/signature from a government agency).
👉 You CAN apostille a document that has been printed and then properly notarized—but it is no longer treated as a scanned document at that point.
If you’re unsure whether your document qualifies, we can help review it—better safe than sorry!
How to Apostille Marriage Documents in Massachusetts
How to apostille marriage documents is a very common request—especially from our couples going through immigration or planning an international wedding.
Here’s the process:
✅ First, obtain a certified marriage certificate from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records or the city/town clerk where the marriage was recorded.
✅ Ensure it is a true certified copy—not a photocopy or scan.
✅ Complete the Massachusetts Apostille Request Form (see below).
✅ Submit your certified marriage certificate + request form + fee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Pro tip: If you had a virtual marriage with us, we’ll help ensure you receive an apostille-eligible marriage certificate.
Step-by-Step — How to Get an Apostille in Massachusetts
Step 1: Verify Your Document
✅ Original/certified copy? ✔️
✅ Notarized, if required? ✔️
✅ Correct version of your marriage documents? ✔️
Step 2: Fill Out the Massachusetts Apostille Request Form
👉 Massachusetts Apostille Request Form
Important tip: Clearly state whether your document is for marriage, immigration, business, or another purpose.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
Mail to:
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Public Records Division
Apostille/Certification
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108
Or use a professional courier—highly recommended for urgent cases.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Apostille in Massachusetts?
- State fee: $6 per document
- Courier fee: $75-$150 (optional but great for speed and peace of mind)
How Long Does It Take?
- By mail: 2-4 weeks
- In person (walk-in or courier): 1-3 business days
If you need your apostille for marriage documents fast (immigration interview, consular wedding, etc.), we strongly recommend using a courier.
Internal Links to Explore
👉 How to Apostille a Marriage Certificate for Immigration
👉 Virtual Marriage for K1 Visa Guide
👉 How to Get an Apostille in Pennsylvania
External Helpful Links
👉 Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth – Apostille Info
👉 U.S. Department of State – Apostille Convention Countries
FAQ — Getting an Apostille in Massachusetts
1️⃣ Can I get an apostille for scanned documents?
No—scanned documents alone are not acceptable. You need an original, certified, or properly notarized version.
2️⃣ What are the apostille requirements USA-wide?
While each state processes apostilles through its own office, apostille requirements USA include:
- Original or certified documents
- Destination country must be a party to the Hague Apostille Convention
- Submission to the correct state authority
3️⃣ How to apostille marriage documents?
Obtain a certified marriage certificate, complete the apostille request form, and submit it to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
4️⃣ How long does an apostille take in Massachusetts?
By mail: 2-4 weeks.
In person/courier: 1-3 business days.
5️⃣ Can Virtual Same Day Marriage help with the process?
Absolutely! We assist couples with apostille for marriage documents, scanned documents verification, and the entire apostille process every week—and we’d love to help you too.
Final Thoughts — Ready to Get Your Apostille in Massachusetts?
Whether you need an apostille for scanned documents, are trying to understand apostille requirements USA, or want to know how to apostille marriage documents—we’ve got your back.
👉 Contact us at Virtual Same Day Marriage, and we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step or handle it for you.
We specialize in fast, friendly apostille services—and we make it easy!
