Apostille
The HGSE Registrar’s Office is happy to assist in the process of obtaining an apostilled document. This process can take up to 6 weeks to complete so please plan accordingly when initiating the process.
To begin, complete the Request for a Notarized Document form. This form notifies our team that you are intending to mail us or bring in-person documents to be notarized and sent for an apostille.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the only authorized body that can issue an Apostille/Certification. In support of this process, diploma copies, transcripts, and Degree Verification Letters can be notarized by the HGSE Office of the Registrar before you send them to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The cost of each Apostilled document is $6 and can only be paid with a check or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
We can notarize any of the following documents for this purpose:
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get a copy of my transcript, diploma, or degree verification letter?
- Here are links to the different pages on the Office of the Registrar website that include instructions on how to order each document. For transcripts please do not order an electronic copy to be sent to our office, send only paper copies.
- Do I need to have HGSE notarize my documents, or can I use any notary?
- You are welcome to use any notary; this is a service we provide for students and alumni at no cost. *There is a cost for shipping and processing from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Do I need to do this process in the State of Massachusetts?
- The State of Massachusetts has told us that because Harvard University is a private institution that diplomas, transcripts and degree verifications can be notarized and apostilled in the state in which you are located. We recommend calling your states Department of Commissions to confirm this before sending them your documents.
- Can I request a rush order for this process?
- We can certainly process a rush order for notarization, but the Commonwealth does not offer rush services for Apostilles. If you need to have the order rushed, the only way to do this is to go in-person for same day processing.
- Can someone else have my documents notarized for me?
- Yes, but you must request in writing (via email to registrar@gse.harvard.edu) who this person will be and that you give them permission to handle your documents. They will also be required to provide their government ID.
- What is a money order and how can I get one?
- This is a prepaid form of payment that can be purchased at a bank, credit union, the U.S. Post Office, or some supermarket and convenient store locations.
- Here is more information about how to get a money order from the U.S. Post Office.