How to Get an Apostille for a Massachusetts Birth Certificate
If you need to use a Massachusetts birth certificate in another country, the receiving authority may require an apostille. We can help with the process from obtaining the appropriate certified birth record through Massachusetts apostille certification.
Learn what type of birth certificate you need, how the Massachusetts authentication process works, and how AccuVerify can help you complete the process.
What you need
A certified Massachusetts birth certificate and the country where the document will be used.
Need to obtain your certified birth certificate?What you need for a Massachusetts birth certificate apostille
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth can authenticate documents that contain an original signature of an authorized Massachusetts city or town official, including a Registrar of Vital Records.
- A properly certified Massachusetts birth certificate.
- The country where the document will be used.
Important: Certified copy vs. photocopy
A photocopy of a birth certificate is not the same as a certified vital record. The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth does not authenticate notarized copies of government-issued documents. Use the appropriate certified record when authentication is required.
How to get your birth certificate apostilled
The process starts with the appropriate certified Massachusetts birth certificate and ends with the authenticated document being returned to you.
Get a certified birth certificate
If you do not already have the certified birth certificate, we can help you obtain it, in 1-2 business days. (Please note some records are restricted, and unavailable, through this service). You may also request a certified copy through the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or from the city or town clerk where the birth was recorded.
Identify the destination country
Tell us which country you plan to use the certified document, because there are two types of authentication. Apostille and Certification of Appointment. For majority of countries it is an apostille.
Submit your AccuVerify order
Complete our online order form with your contact information, document details, destination country, and preferred return service.
Send us your document
Send the appropriate certified birth certificate to AccuVerify using your preferred delivery method. Local pickup and delivery may also be available within our service area.
Massachusetts authentication
AccuVerify submits the document to the appropriate Massachusetts authority for authentication and apostille processing.
Receive your document
Once processing is complete, your authenticated document is returned using the shipping or delivery option selected with your order.
We can also help with Massachusetts vital records
If you do not have a certified copy of the birth certificate, you may use our vital records service to obtain it in as little as 1-2 business days.
Important: Restricted Birth Records
Birth records are restricted if the parents were not married at the time of birth. Restricted records are only available to the person on the record, their parents, or legal guardians with proper ID.
You may request restricted birth record from the Massachusetts Vital Records, or from the city or town clerk where the birth was record.
Let AccuVerify handle the apostille process
Once you have the appropriate document, AccuVerify can assist with the Massachusetts apostille process, document submission, and return shipping.
Fast Processing
Standard AccuVerify processing is completed the same day or next business day after appropriate documents are received.
Return Shipping
Choose regular, domestic express, local delivery, or international express return service.
Help When You Need It
Contact AccuVerify if you're unsure whether your document is ready for authentication.
Birth Certificate Apostille FAQ
Requirements depend on the destination country and the intended use of the document.
Restricted records are unavailable through this service.
Vital Records Services
Once we receive the certified birth certificate, it takes 1-2 business days to receive an apostille.
You can only receive an apostille for a certified copy.
View Payment Options
Get your Massachusetts birth certificate apostille.
Start your order online or contact AccuVerify if you have questions about your document.
Have questions?
Contact us if you need help determining whether your birth certificate is ready for apostille processing.