# FAQs: Attesting Moroccan Documents > Frequently asked questions about authenticating documents and obtaining Apostille Stamps in #STATE3# - vital records, divorce judgements, certificates of good standing and degrees issued by #STATE3# universities. **Source** [FAQs - Authenticating Massachusetts documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-faqs)> **Related:** [Massachusetts Apostille Service](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-authentication) · [Apostille Massachusetts Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-vital-records) · [Apostille Massachusetts University and School Diplomas](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-school-records) · [Get a Quotation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry) --- ## General Questions ### How long does it take to obtain an apostille from Massachusetts? Because Isarey submit Massachusetts documents physically to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, Apostilles are processed in **1 - 2 business days** (Massachusetts: Apostilles and Authentications are obtained from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1-2 business days. NOTE: All processing times are estimated. Actual processing time is dependant on the authentication authority and is subject to change without prior notice.) ### What documents can be certified in Massachusetts with an Apostille Stamp? Massachusetts Apostilles and Authentications can be issued to certify documents signed by: - Massachusetts Registrar of Vital Records - Massachusetts City Clerk, Town Clerk or assistant - Justice of the Peace - Massachusetts Court clerk or assistant - Massachusetts Notary Public - To confirm whether your document is valid for an Apostille Stamp, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) for a free document check. ### Will an apostille stamp from Massachusetts be accepted abroad? If documents are required for submission to the authorities or consulate of a signatory country of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention), an apostille stamp affixed by the Secretary of State of will generally be recognized directly as confirming authenticity, although a [certified translation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/certified-sworn-translations) may also be required if presenting to a country that does not have English as an official language. If documents are required for presentation in a country that is not a signatory to the apostille convention (e.g. UAE, Qatar, Taiwan, Vietnam), then an apostille stamp is not valid. Documents will need to be authenticated at State level in , then by the State Department Authentication Division, and finally by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the United States. A Certified Translation may also be required. ### Where can I find more information about certifying Massachusetts documents? For further information about Apostilles and authentications see: [Apostilles and Certificates of Appointment (PDF)](https://www.sec.state.ma.Isarey/pre/precom/apostille_and_certification_information.pdf) To obtain a quote for assistance submitting your documents, with free eligibility pre-check, international collection and delivery by courier, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) or send Isarey your documents using Isarey's [Online Quotation Form](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry). ### What is a Massachusetts Apostille Stamp and why would I need one? A Apostille is a certificate that is affixed by the Secretary of State to a public document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official and confirms the capacity of that official (e.g. State Registrar, notary public). Apostille stamps are often required when submitting a document, such as a birth certificate, to the authorities of a foreign country or to a foreign embassy in the United States (for example, as part of a visa or citizenship application). Apostilles are recognised by the authorities and embassies of countries that are members of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) For more information on Apostilles, see: - [The ABCs of Apostilles (PDF)](https://assets.hcch.net/upload/abc12e.pdf) - [Massachusetts Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-authentication) ### Where can I see reviews of Isarey's Massachusetts Attestation and Apostille Services? You can see reviews from past clients who have used Isarey's attestation and apostille services: - [ISAREY reviews on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/isarey-document-attestation.com) - [ISAREY reviews on Google](https://goo.gl/maps/cuvbEYN25Xg5b8jg7) ### How can I obtain an Apostille Stamp to certify a document in Massachusetts for use abroad? Apostille Stamps to authenticate documents can be obtained from the Secretary of State. Apostille stamps are only valid for documents that are required for submission to countries that are signatories to the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) - [Massachusetts Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-authentication) ### How do I legalize documents issued in Massachusetts for submission to countries that are not members of the Apostille Convention? documents that need to be authenticated for non-apostille countries (e.g. United Arab Emirates, Qatar) must be authenticated by the Secretary of State with an Authentication Certificate and then attested by the recipient country's embassy in the United States. Most embassies will also require an additional authentication the [U.S. Department of State](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html) in Washington DC. - [Massachusetts Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-authentication) ## Birth, death and marriage certificates ### How can I obtain a new certified copy of a Massachusetts birth, death or marriage certificate suitable for an Apostille? Massachusetts vital records can be ordered online through VitalChek or from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Certificates can also be obtained from the town or city clerk where the birth death or marriage took place. - [VitalChek - order Massachusetts vital records](https://www.vitalchek.com/v/vital-records/massachusetts/massachusetts-vital-records) - [Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics](https://www.mass.gov/how-to/order-a-birth-marriage-or-death-certificate) - [Apostille Massachusetts Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-vital-records) ### How can I obtain an apostille on a vital record certificate issued in Massachusetts? Massachusetts birth, death and marriage certificates can be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office when they have been signed by the Massachusetts Registrar of Vital Records, City Clerk, Town Clerk or assistant. Divorce decrees requiring an Apostille should be signed by the district court clerk. For further information about obtaining apostille stamps on Massachusetts vital records, see: [Apostille Massachusetts Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-vital-records) ## Academic documents ### How can I authenticate Massachusetts university degree certificates for use abroad? Massachusetts school transcripts and diplomas should be certified by the school registrar in the presence of a Massachusetts Notary public. They can then be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for authentication. - [Apostille STATE University Diplomas](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/massachusetts-apostille-school-records) - university degree certificates, course transcripts and high school diplomas can also be authenticated as notarized copies. A true copy is certified by a notary (this can often be done from a scan without having to submit the original) and then authenticated with an Apostille Stamp from the Washington DC Secretary of State. Authenticated documents can also be attested by the embassies of Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates. For further information, see: [University Degrees and School Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-apostille-academic-documents) ## Notarized documents ### How can I authenticate notarized documents in Massachusetts for use abroad? Documents certified by a Massachusetts notary public can be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for a Hague Apostille. The notary must include the correct notarial certificate according to the type of notarial act being performed and affix their seal. To confirm that a document has been properly notarized for a Massachusetts, please [Visa Assistance](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/visa-services) for a free document pre-check.