Need your documents recognized abroad?
At Commonwealth Notarial, we simplify the process of international document certification. Whether you're dealing with immigration, overseas employment, education, or international legal matters, we handle the entire apostille process—professionally, accurately, and on time.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of a U.S. public document, making it legally valid in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It confirms the signature, title, and seal on your document—eliminating the need for consular or embassy legalization.
Countries That Accept Apostilles
Over 120 countries recognize apostilles under the Hague Convention, including:
- Europe: Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and more
- Asia & Africa: Japan, South Korea, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Morocco
- Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela, and others
Not a Hague Convention Country?
If your destination country is not a member, we can assist with authentication and consular legalization, which involves additional steps through U.S. and foreign government channels.
Contact Us for Guidance →When & Why You Need an Apostille
You'll need an apostille when presenting U.S. documents to foreign governments, institutions, or employers.
Common Use Cases
- Immigration and visa applications
- Marriage or adoption abroad
- Studying or working internationally
- Business registration or cross-border contracts
- Legal matters in foreign jurisdictions
Typical Documents
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Diplomas and academic transcripts
- Court orders and legal judgments
- Powers of attorney and affidavits
- Corporate records and business documents
- FBI background checks
- Notarized documents and passport copies
Processing Time & Service Area
Massachusetts
Same-day and mobile service available
Standard Processing
5–10 business days
Expedited
Same-day service available in MA
Nationwide
We handle documents from all 50 states & federal agencies (e.g., FBI, USCIS)
International Clients
Remote coordination available
Our team manages the process from start to finish—review, notarization (if needed), apostille certification, and secure delivery.
Multilingual notaries available. Se habla español.