When life requires official paperwork, certified copies are often the bridge between your original document and the institution requesting proof. Whether you’re applying for international study, handling immigration paperwork, preparing for a business transaction, or authenticating educational records, knowing how to properly obtain certified copies in Massachusetts is crucial. At Boston Notary Service, we make the process smooth, professional, and reliable — right here in Boston.

A certified copy is an official duplicate of an original document, stamped and signed to confirm it is a true and accurate reproduction. Certified copies are widely required by:

• Universities for student records like diplomas, transcripts, and certificates.
• Employers verifying academic and professional qualifications.
• Immigration authorities (USCIS) needing copies of passports, IDs, or other documents.
• Foreign governments and embassies requiring certified copies for legalization or apostille services.
• Businesses filing corporate records, bylaws, or contracts abroad.

Here in Massachusetts, notaries play a key role, but the law has limits:

• ✅ True Copy Attestation: A Massachusetts notary public can certify that a photocopy of a non-government document (such as a diploma, driver’s license, passport, or contract) is a true copy of the original.
• ❌ Vital Records: Notaries cannot create certified copies of government-issued documents like birth, marriage, or death certificates. Those must come directly from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records or your local city/town clerk’s office. (We offer the service)

At Boston Notary Service, we bridge this gap by:

1. Retrieving official certified copies of vital records in person on your behalf, expediting the process.
2. Notarizing true copies of documents you present for educational, business, or international purposes.

If you need a certified birth, marriage, or death certificate, here’s how it works:

1. Identify the issuing office – Vital records are issued either by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records or the local city/town where the event occurred.
2. Provide required information – Full name, date of event, parents’ names (for birth certificates), and approximate location.
3. Pay the state fee – Fees vary, usually between $15–$30 per record.
4. Wait for processing – Mail-in requests can take weeks.

Instead of dealing with the delays, Boston Notary Service handles this process in person, cutting down the wait time and ensuring you receive an official, state-certified document ready for use domestically or abroad.

Boston is home to world-renowned institutions like Harvard University, Boston College, MIT, Boston University, Northeastern, and more. International students and graduates frequently need certified copies of:

• Diplomas
• Transcripts
• Certificates of attendance

These documents are often required for apostille certification, foreign employers, or immigration processes. With decades of experience, Boston Notary Service has helped thousands of students ensure their records are authenticated correctly.

👉 If you’re preparing your educational documents for use abroad, you can start the process right away with our Apostille Order Form.

If your business needs to operate internationally or work with foreign partners, you may be asked for certified copies of:

• Articles of Incorporation
• Bylaws
• Certificates of Good Standing
• Contracts or Powers of Attorney

We provide fast, reliable certification and can also assist with apostille services for corporate records.

When submitting documents to USCIS, consulates, or foreign ministries, certified copies are often mandatory. We regularly assist with:

• Passports
• Driver’s licenses
• Marriage or divorce decrees (via official certified copies retrieval)
• Academic and professional qualifications

👉 Many of these immigration documents also require apostille authentication. Save time and begin your order today by completing our Apostille Request Form.

Can a Massachusetts notary certify a birth certificate?
No. Only the issuing government office can. Boston Notary Service retrieves official certified copies for you directly.

Can I use a notarized true copy for an apostille?
Yes — many international agencies accept notarized true copies for apostille certification, especially for academic and corporate records.

Do certified copies expire?
While the copy itself doesn’t expire, some agencies (like USCIS or foreign ministries) may require a copy issued within the last 6–12 months.

Can Boston Notary Service mail me certified copies?
Yes. We can retrieve or notarize your documents and securely send them to you anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.

• ✅ Decades of Experience in Massachusetts notary and apostille services
• ✅ Local Expertise with roots in Boston’s South End and Back Bay
• ✅ Expedited Service — we handle in-person retrievals and notarizations quickly
• ✅ Trusted by Universities, Businesses, and Families across Massachusetts

When you work with us, you avoid delays, rejections, and costly mistakes.

If you need certified copies in Massachusetts, trust the professionals at Boston Notary Service. Whether it’s retrieving official documents, notarizing true copies, or preparing records for apostille, we’ve got you covered.

📍 Serving all of Boston and Massachusetts, including the Seaport District, Back Bay, Cambridge, Somerville, and beyond.

📧 Email: info@bostonnotaryservice.us
📞 Call/Text: 617.230.6676
🌐 Visit: Boston Notary Service

Let us handle your certified copies with the care, authority, and expertise that only Boston Notary Service provides.