What you need to know

The Apostille certification process was created as a way for documents to be recognized across international borders in order to verify their authenticity in accordance with rules and regulations agreed upon in the Hague Convention of 1961. They are typically degree certifications, transcripts, or diplomas that have been officially notarized by both MIT and the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.

International students who need to confirm their credentials for their government or other official body in their home country are the most likely to need an Apostille. On occasion, it is also required for U.S. citizens working abroad.

Obtaining an Apostille certification can be very complicated, but we are here to help. Please review the steps below and contact us by email or phone at (617) 258-6409 if you have questions or concerns.

Some key points to remember:

  • We strongly encourage you to request an Apostille certification in person. Doing so will greatly expedite the process.
  • You may have more than one document certified at the same time.
  • There is no charge for the notary service at MIT.
  • The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth charges a fee for each Apostille certification.
  • For recognition in countries that are not part of the Hague Convention agreement, we can produce a similar (non-Apostille) international certification.

What you need to do — in person certifications

  • Confirm what information the requesting country requires and choose the official MIT document that suits your needs.
  • Review the Apostille instructions on the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
  • Follow our instructions for ordering a degree certification, academic transcript, or replacement diploma to obtain the appropriate document.
  • Make an appointment to have the document notarized in Room 5-117 during our walk-in hours.
  • Bring your notarized document to the Commissions Section, Room 1719 at One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA, 02108 for your Apostille certification.
  • Three or fewer certifications can be done while you wait.

What you need to do — certifications by mail

  • Confirm what information your home country needs and choose the MIT official document that suits your needs.
  • Review the Apostille instructions on the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
  • Follow our instructions for ordering a degree certification, academic transcript, or replacement diploma to obtain the appropriate document.
  • Prepare the following attachments to be sent to MIT:
    • A cover letter to the Registrar's Office detailing your request
    • A letter addressed to the Secretary of the Commonwealth requesting the Apostille with instructions on how and where it should be sent
    • A prepaid envelope or express shipping label to have your documents mailed to their final destination
    • A check made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($6 per certification)
  • Mail your complete packet — document for certification and attachments — to MIT Registrar’s Office, Room 5-117, Attn: Apostille Certifications, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.
  • We will notarize and forward your request and attachments to the Secretary of the Commonwealth for Apostille certification.
  • Once received by the state of Massachusetts, mailed requests are processed within two to three weeks.