If you’re planning to move, study, work, or marry abroad, there’s a good chance you’ll need to legalize your documents. For residents of Andover, MA, that process often starts with one word: apostille.
But what exactly is an apostille? Who needs it? And how do you get one in Massachusetts without wasting time or sending your paperwork across the country? Let’s break it down so you can move forward—confident that your documents will be accepted overseas.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certification issued by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth that authenticates a public document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
In simple terms, it confirms that a U.S.-issued document is valid and legal for use in a foreign country.
It’s commonly required for:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage licenses
- Academic transcripts
- Powers of attorney
- Background checks
- Legal affidavits
- Business documents
If you’re submitting any of these documents abroad, you’ll probably need them notarized first—and then apostilled.
Who in Andover Might Need Apostille Services?
We assist Andover residents and professionals with apostille requests for a wide range of needs:
- Students applying to schools overseas
- Immigrants seeking dual citizenship or applying for foreign residency
- Couples planning destination weddings
- Professionals relocating for work in the EU, Middle East, or Asia
- Families finalizing adoptions
- Businesses expanding abroad or entering international contracts
Whatever the reason, one thing is true: apostille rules must be followed exactly or your documents could be rejected abroad.
Common Documents We Apostille in Andover
Some of the most requested apostille documents include:
- Birth certificates from Massachusetts cities
- Marriage and divorce records
- Diplomas and college transcripts
- Single status affidavits for marriage abroad
- FBI background checks
- Power of attorney documents
- Medical records
- Corporate paperwork (Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing)
We help ensure every step—from notarization to certification—is done correctly and on time.
Step-by-Step: How Apostille Service Works in Andover
Step 1: Document Review
We begin by reviewing your documents to determine:
- Whether they need notarization first
- If certified copies are required (like for birth or death certificates)
- Which agency handles the apostille (state or federal)
Step 2: Notarization (If Needed)
Many documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled. We handle notarization in-office or via our mobile notary service in Andover, ensuring you don’t lose time figuring it out.
Step 3: Submission to the Proper Authority
We file your documents with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, or in some cases, the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. We’ll tell you exactly what applies to your case.
Step 4: Apostille Certification and Return
Once the apostille is issued, we return your certified documents to you—by mail, courier, or hand delivery depending on your preference.
Why Not Just Do It Yourself?
Technically, you can try to handle the apostille process on your own—but it’s not as easy as it sounds.
Common mistakes include:
- Submitting an uncertified document
- Skipping notarization when it’s required
- Sending documents to the wrong office
- Missing critical deadlines
We’ve helped dozens of clients in Andover avoid delays and rejections by ensuring every box is checked.
Apostille + Translation? We Do Both.
Many countries won’t accept English-language documents unless they’re translated by a certified translator. We offer professional certified translations in over 25 languages including:
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- French
- Italian
- Arabic
- Korean
- German
- Russian
Each translation includes a Certificate of Accuracy, making it suitable for use with embassies, foreign courts, and academic institutions.
Real Testimonial from Andover
“We needed our birth certificates and marriage license apostilled for our move to Spain. The team handled everything—translation, notarization, and apostille—and we had everything back within a week. Highly recommend their service if you’re in Andover.”
— Melissa G., Andover, MA
We Work with Attorneys, Students, and Families in Andover
We’re proud to support:
- Local attorneys handling probate and family law
- Andover students heading to universities in Europe and Asia
- Families adopting from abroad
- Businesses managing global compliance
We offer in-office, remote, and mobile apostille services to make things simple, legal, and fast.
Don’t Risk Rejection—Do It Right the First Time
The last thing you want is to spend weeks preparing documents only to have them rejected overseas. Let us help you get it right the first time.
✅ Clear, upfront pricing
✅ Fast turnaround
✅ In-office or mobile notarization available
✅ Certified translation support
✅ All paperwork filed with the correct agency
Ready to Get Started?
We make it easy for Andover residents to obtain legal, compliant apostille certification for domestic and international use.
📍 Find a trusted Apostille Service in Andover, MA
📞 Book your apostille and notary service now at: https://tewksburynotary.com
Notary Public Serving Tewksbury MA 