Boston Apostille Services for International Adoption Documents
International adoption is a life-changing journey filled with emotion, paperwork, and international coordination. One of the most crucial—and often confusing—parts of the process is obtaining an apostille for adoption documents. If you're adopting from a Hague Convention country, you’ll need specific apostille authentication to make your documents legally recognized abroad. That's where Boston Notary Service steps in.
With decades of experience, we provide fast, reliable, and legally compliant Boston apostille for Hague countries and non-Hague countries alike, helping Massachusetts families bring their children home without delay.
What Is an Apostille for Adoption?
An apostille is a type of international certification issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the rules of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It verifies the authenticity of documents being used in foreign countries, including adoption records.
For international adoptions, apostilles are required on various notarized and government-issued documents to be accepted by the foreign court or adoption authority.
Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries: What’s the Difference?
Hague Convention Countries
If you're adopting from a Hague Convention country, your adoption process is regulated by international standards designed to protect children, birth parents, and adoptive families. In this case, your U.S. documents must be apostilled.
Examples of Hague countries we assist with include:
Colombia
Philippines
Mexico
India
Ukraine
South Africa
Poland
Peru
Bulgaria
Thailand
Our Boston apostille for Hague countries service ensures that your notarized and official documents meet international standards and are accepted without further authentication.
Non-Hague Countries
For countries that are not part of the Hague Convention, a different process—authentication and legalization—is required. This may involve:
State authentication (via apostille-style certification)
U.S. Department of State authentication in Washington, D.C.
Legalization through the destination country's embassy or consulate
Boston Notary Service also offers Washington, D.C. apostille and authentication services, including coordination with embassies for countries like:
China (mainland)
Vietnam
Ethiopia
Nigeria
Pakistan
We streamline this multi-step process, ensuring your documents are accepted without issue.
What Documents Need an Apostille for Adoption?
We provide apostille services for the full spectrum of adoption-related documents, including:
Home study reports
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Single status affidavits
Medical evaluations
Criminal background checks (FBI and state)
Letters of reference
Notarized parental agreements
Financial statements
Adoption agency certifications
If your documents need notarization before being apostilled, we offer mobile notary services throughout Greater Boston—including the Back Bay, South End, Dorchester, Seaport, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apostille for Adoption in Massachusetts
Step 1: Gather and Notarize
Collect all required documents and ensure they are properly notarized. Our notary team can assist if needed.
Step 2: Review and Prepare
We carefully review your documents for compliance with Massachusetts apostille regulations and Hague country-specific requirements.
Step 3: Submit for Apostille
Documents are submitted in person to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth for apostille certification.
Step 4: Pickup and Return
Once complete, your apostilled documents are hand-delivered, mailed back, or made available for pickup at our Boston office.
Step 5: Authentication (for Non-Hague Only)
If the country is non-Hague, we coordinate with the U.S. Department of State and foreign embassy or consulate to complete the legalization process.
Why Choose Boston Notary Service?
Here’s why Massachusetts families trust us for their apostille for adoption needs:
✅ Decades of Expertise – We’ve helped thousands of clients with apostille services for international adoption and beyond.
✅ In-Person & Mobile Notary – We come to you or meet at your convenience across Greater Boston.
✅ Fast Turnaround – Same-day or expedited options available based on your document type.
✅ Full Document Handling – From notarization to apostille to embassy authentication—we do it all.
✅ Located in the Heart of Boston – Close to landmarks like Boston City Hall, Government Center, and the John F. Kennedy Federal Building.
✅ Mail-In Services Available – Serving families across Massachusetts and nationwide.
Case Example: Adopting from Colombia
Recently, a Boston couple working with an adoption agency in Colombia needed to authenticate 12 documents, including their FBI background check, home study, and medical exams. They were under a tight deadline.
They contacted Boston Notary Service on a Monday. By Wednesday, all documents had been:
Notarized
Apostilled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Prepared for submission to Colombian authorities
Because Colombia is a Hague Convention country, the apostille was the final requirement—no embassy visit was necessary. Their adoption process continued without delay.
FAQs About Apostille for International Adoption
How long does it take to get an apostille in Massachusetts?
Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days. Same-day services are available in many cases.
Can I mail in my adoption documents for apostille?
Yes. We accept mail-in requests from clients throughout Massachusetts and nationwide. Visit bostonnotaryservice.us/apply-here to get started.
Can you apostille FBI background checks?
Yes. These must be authenticated federally in Washington, D.C., which we handle on your behalf.
What if my adoption country is not in the Hague Convention?
We provide full authentication and embassy legalization services for non-Hague countries.
Local Areas We Serve for Adoption Apostille
Our Greater Boston apostille services include but are not limited to:
Boston (Seaport, South End, Back Bay, Beacon Hill)
Cambridge
Somerville
Brookline
Quincy
Newton
Waltham
Medford
Chelsea
Revere
We also serve the entire state of Massachusetts via mail-in apostille support.
Contact Us – Let Us Help Bring Your Family Together
Whether you’re adopting from India, Colombia, China, or beyond, Boston Notary Service is here to handle your apostille and authentication needs with compassion, professionalism, and unmatched experience.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call/Text: 617-230-6676
🌐 Start now: Apply for Adoption Apostille Services
Your child’s forever home starts with the right paperwork. Trust Boston Notary Service to deliver peace of mind through every notarization and apostille step.