Massachusetts Birth Certificate Apostille
Apostille for Massachusetts birth certificates issued by state or county vital records offices. Required for dual citizenship, visas, marriage abroad, study, and residency. Complete guide with 10 detailed FAQs.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Massachusetts Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or county health department |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Massachusetts Secretary of State 3-5 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Massachusetts birth certificate (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $6 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 5-7 business days. Walk-in: Same day (Boston) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 128 Hague Convention member countries as of 2026 |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| Birth Certificate Cost | $15 from ADPH or county health department (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Boston: One Ashburton Place (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for Massachusetts Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an Massachusetts birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the Massachusetts Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or a county health department. Hospital records, souvenir certificates, or photocopies will be rejected.
- The certificate must bear the seal and signature of the state or county vital records official.
- Birth certificates do not need notarization for apostille in Massachusetts.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
Even small mistakes can lead to your apostille request being rejected. Double-check these points to save time:
- • Photocopy or Scan: Only original certified copies with a raised seal or official stamp are accepted.
- • Hospital Certificates: Decorative hospital "birth certificates" or souvenir records are not official and cannot be apostilled.
- • Document Damage: If the certified copy has erasures, white-out, or damage, it may be rejected.
- • Payment Issues: Make sure to enclose the correct $6 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Massachusetts apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a certified copy remotely through VitalChek or directly from ADPH.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Massachusetts SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in Massachusetts to handle it on your behalf.
- • Patience with Mail: International mail can add 1-3 weeks to the return journey.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
- • Non-Member Examples: United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Egypt, Canada require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State SOS certification → U.S. Department of State authentication → Foreign embassy legalization.
- • Note on China: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, so apostilles are now accepted for China.
✅ Massachusetts Apostille Advantages
Massachusetts offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Lowest Fee: At just $6 per document, Massachusetts has one of the lowest apostille fees nationwide.
- • Fast Processing: 5-7 business days by mail, same-day for walk-in requests.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for vital records.
Option 1: Massachusetts Center for Health Statistics
The state vital records office in Boston issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Health Department
Any Massachusetts county health department can issue certified copies of birth certificates for births that occurred in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified Massachusetts birth certificate issued by ADPH.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by an Massachusetts county health department.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir birth certificates and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified Massachusetts Birth Certificate: An original or newly certified copy issued by ADPH or county health department.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "birth certificate" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $6 per document — check or money order payable to "Massachusetts Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any birth certificate without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an Massachusetts Birth Certificate Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help Massachusetts-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified Massachusetts Birth Certificate
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the Massachusetts Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or your local county health department.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from ADPH. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your birth certificate shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the Massachusetts Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the Massachusetts Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Birth Certificate to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified birth certificate, completed apostille request form, and $6 payment to the Secretary of State in Boston.
Mailing Address:
Massachusetts Secretary of State
P.O. Box 5616
Boston, AL 36103-5616
Walk-in Address:
One Ashburton Place
Boston, AL 02108
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 5-7 business days for mail requests. Walk-in requests can be processed same-day.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $6 (state fee) |
| Certified Massachusetts birth certificate (first copy) | Around $15 |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Birth Certificate Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Massachusetts birth certificate before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records issued by government agencies and do not require notarization for apostille in Massachusetts. The certified copy from ADPH or county health department is sufficient.
Can I use my hospital birth record for apostille?▼
No. Hospital records, birth announcements, and souvenir certificates are not legal vital records and cannot receive an apostille. You must use a certified copy from the Massachusetts Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or a county health department.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an Massachusetts birth certificate?▼
Mail requests typically take 3-5 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in requests at the Boston office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an Massachusetts birth certificate apostille cost?▼
The Massachusetts Secretary of State charges $6 per document for apostille services. This is one of the lowest apostille fees in the United States. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "Massachusetts Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Massachusetts?▼
Yes. The Massachusetts Secretary of State office at One Ashburton Place in Boston accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my Massachusetts birth certificate for apostille?▼
Mail to: Massachusetts Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Boston, AL 36103-5616. Include the completed apostille request form, your certified birth certificate, and $6 fee per document.
What countries accept an Massachusetts birth certificate apostille?▼
All 128 Hague Apostille Convention member countries accept apostilled documents from Massachusetts. This includes Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication and legalization is required.
Can someone else submit my Massachusetts birth certificate for apostille?▼
Yes. Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – family members, friends, or professional apostille services. You do not need to be the person named on the document or have any special authorization.
Do I need a certified copy vs. original birth certificate for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by ADPH or a county health department, not your original birth certificate. The certified copy must have an official raised or printed seal and the registrar's signature to be eligible for apostille.
How do I get a certified Massachusetts birth certificate for apostille?▼
Order from the Massachusetts Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Boston office. You can also request from any Massachusetts county health department. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies in the same order.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
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