Notary Public + Apostille
Get your documents notarized FAST with TBS Tax Services!
Notary Public and Apostille Services in Massachusetts
Whether you need a signature notarized for a local matter or a document authenticated for use in another country, TBS Tax Services makes the process fast and stress-free. Our notary public and apostille services help individuals and families in the Stoughton and Hyannis communities handle powers of attorney, affidavits, vital records, and international paperwork with confidence.
For our Portuguese and Spanish-speaking clients especially, sending documents abroad, whether to Brazil, Portugal, or elsewhere, can feel overwhelming. We guide you through every step in the language you are most comfortable with, so nothing gets lost in translation or delayed by a missing signature.
What Is a Notary Public and What Do They Do?
A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to serve as an impartial witness when important documents are signed. The notary’s job is to verify the identity of the signer, confirm they are signing willingly, and apply an official seal that gives the document legal credibility. Common documents that require notarization include:
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Deeds and real estate documents
- Parental consent and travel authorization letters
- Single status declarations
- Contracts and business agreements
A notarization does not make a document true; it verifies that the person who signed it is who they claim to be and signed it voluntarily. That verification is what gives notarized documents their legal weight.
What Is an Apostille and When Do I Need One?
An apostille is a special certificate that authenticates a public document so it can be legally recognized in another country. Think of it as an international seal of approval. Under the Hague Convention of 1961, participating countries agree to accept apostilled documents from one another without further legalization.
You typically need an apostille when you are using a U.S. document abroad for situations such as:
- Getting married in another country
- Applying for dual citizenship (Portuguese, Italian, Irish, and others)
- International adoptions
- Studying or teaching abroad
- Foreign work visas that require an FBI background check
- International business contracts and real estate transactions
In Massachusetts, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The state charges a fee of $6.00 per document, and the apostille is a one-page certificate attached to your document with a unique serial number, the Secretary’s signature, and the official seal. We handle the preparation and submission, so you do not have to navigate the state office yourself.
What Is the Difference Between an Apostille and a Certification?
Both authenticate documents for international use, but which one you need depends on the destination country. An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Convention (over 120 countries, including Brazil and Portugal). A certification is used for countries that are not members of the Hague Convention and require an additional layer of legalization through that country’s embassy or consulate. During your consultation, we confirm exactly which one your destination country requires so your document is accepted the first time.
Do My Documents Need to Be Notarized Before Getting an Apostille?
It depends on the document. Some documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled, including affidavits, powers of attorney, single status declarations, parental consent forms, and corporate resolutions. Other documents, such as vital records (birth, marriage, and death certificates), diplomas, and court documents, are already public records and can go straight to apostille without notarization. Because TBS Tax Services offers both notary and apostille services in-house, we can handle both steps in one visit when your document requires it.
How Fast Can TBS Tax Services Notarize My Documents?
Most standard notarizations are completed in under 10 minutes. Simply bring your unsigned document and a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID). Do not sign the document beforehand, as the notary must witness your signature. For apostille services, timelines depend on the state processing schedule, and we will give you a realistic estimate when you drop off your documents.
Notary and Apostille FAQ
What do I need to bring to get a document notarized?
Bring the complete, unsigned document and a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Do not sign the document in advance. The notary must witness you signing it in person.
Which countries accept apostilles?
Over 120 countries that are members of the Hague Convention accept apostilles, including Brazil, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and most of Europe and Latin America. For countries that are not members, a different certification and legalization process applies. We confirm the correct process for your destination country.
Can you apostille an FBI background check?
An FBI background check is a federal document, which means it must be apostilled through the U.S. Department of State rather than the state of Massachusetts. This process takes longer than a state apostille. We can advise you on the correct steps and timeline for federal documents.
Can you notarize documents in Portuguese or Spanish?
Our bilingual team can assist Portuguese and Spanish-speaking clients through the notarization process and explain each step clearly. If your document also needs to be translated, we offer certified translation services as well.
Do I need an appointment to get something notarized?
No appointment is required at either our Stoughton or Hyannis office. Walk in during business hours with your document and ID, and we will take care of it, usually in under 10 minutes.
Get documents notarized efficiently with our Notary Public + Apostille services.
Under 10 minutes or less!