Question 1

What is an apostille and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An apostille is an official certification that authenticates the origin of a public document for use internationally. Common documents we apostille include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, powers of attorney, business resolutions, notarized affidavits, single status affidavits, adoption papers, university diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses, corporate documents, Massachusetts Notary Public forms, and state background check forms. It's accepted in over 190 countries under the Hague Apostille Convention. We regularly handle apostilles for people moving abroad for work, applying for dual citizenship, getting married overseas, expanding a business internationally, studying at a foreign university, or completing an international adoption.

Question 2

How quickly can I get an apostille?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround depends on your specific deadline and document type — we offer everything from rush processing to standard timelines for non-urgent requests, including options for eligible same-day service. When you reach out or submit a request, we'll confirm the fastest realistic option for your situation, so you're never paying for more speed than you actually need.

Question 3

Do I need an FBI background check apostille?

Accepted Answer

If your document requires FBI certification, we handle the full submission to the US Department of State on your behalf. Government turnaround runs 7-10 days expedited, or 3-5 weeks standard, since federal processing follows its own timeline separate from our Massachusetts service tiers. We also offer state background check apostilles.

Question 4

Can you notarize documents remotely?

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts has passed remote online notarization legislation, but it has not yet been enacted — we're on standby until the state provides full implementation guidance. Right now, we offer traditional in-person notarization, including mobile service.

Question 5

What's your service area?

Accepted Answer

Our apostille and document authentication services are available nationwide and internationally — documents can be mailed or submitted digitally regardless of where you're located, whether you're across the country or abroad. For mobile notary appointments, our notaries travel throughout Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, Worcester, and Bristol Counties, including Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Needham, Somerville, Quincy, Waltham, Burlington, Woburn, Winchester, Lexington, Arlington, Watertown, and the rest of Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Our mobile notaries travel to hotels, airports, nursing homes, businesses, residences, universities, coffee shops, and more. We also handle nationwide FBI background check apostille and non-Hague embassy legalization, submitting directly to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on behalf of clients across the country and around the world.

Question 6

Do you offer bilingual services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team is fully bilingual, providing clear guidance in English and Spanish at every step — from your initial call through document review, notarization, and final delivery — so language is never a barrier to getting your documents handled correctly.

Question 7

Do you offer print, scan, and shipping services?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer print, scan, and shipping support for your notarized and apostilled documents, so you don't need to coordinate a separate print shop or shipping provider. We can print documents you send digitally, scan completed originals for your records, and securely ship your finished documents domestically or internationally.

Question 8

How much does service cost?

Accepted Answer

Notary and apostille pricing varies based on document type, quantity, and turnaround time. Contact us or submit a service request for a custom quote tailored to your specific needs.

Question 9

Do you handle apostilles for non-Hague Convention countries or embassy legalization?

Accepted Answer

The United States is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, which means apostilles are recognized in over 190 countries worldwide. However, some countries outside the Convention — or with specific diplomatic requirements — may require embassy or consulate legalization instead. We specialize in apostille services and also provide embassy legalization services for documents being submitted to embassies and consulates. Contact us with your destination country and document type, and we'll confirm whether you need an apostille, embassy legalization, or both, and we'll handle the submission process on your behalf.

Question 10

Do you notarize university and college transcripts and diplomas for international students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We specialize in notarizing and apostilling transcripts, diplomas, and certificates of enrollment from Massachusetts universities and colleges — including Boston University, Northeastern University, Harvard University, MIT, Tufts University, Suffolk University, UMass, Boston College, Emerson College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and other schools throughout the state — for students who need them authenticated for use abroad. Most schools require a registrar-signed copy notarized before it can be apostilled, and we coordinate directly with school registrar offices to help you get the right certified copy before we notarize and apostille it. Documents can be mailed to us, dropped off, or submitted by students living out of state or overseas — we manage the full process from registrar coordination through notarization, apostille, and return shipping, so your transcript or diploma is accepted by foreign employers, universities, and government agencies.

Question 11

What type of ID do I need for notarization?

Accepted Answer

You'll need a valid, state or federal government-issued photo-bearing ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or other qualifying photo ID. The name on your ID must match the name on the document being notarized. If you have questions about acceptable ID for your specific situation, contact us before your appointment.

Question 12

Can you retrieve vital records or certified documents on my behalf if I don't have them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you don't currently have the document you need apostilled, we offer retrieval services for vital records (birth, marriage, and death certificates, negative statements (single status affidavit), Secretary of the Commonwealth certified copies, and court documents. We obtain the properly certified copy required for apostille processing — since photocopies and non-certified copies cannot be apostilled — and handle the full process from retrieval through notarization, apostille, and return shipping. This is especially helpful if you no longer have your original documents or need a certified copy issued directly from the source.

Frequently Asked Questions