How do I apply for document legalization and authentication?

• IN PERSON: Please bring your valid passport or other photo ID (driver’s license or US naturalization certificate) to identify yourself. For power of attorney, the applicant should sign in front of the consular officer.
• BY MAIL: Applications can be submitted by mail with a self-addressed, postage paid envelope. A photocopy of a valid passport or photo ID should be enclosed with the applicant’s signature and a note stating “This is a true copy of the original.” If a power of attorney is submitted by mail, it should be notarized by a notary public first. For POA regarding adoption, business, or real estate, the notarized document should be then sent to the office of the secretary of state for certification before mailing to this office.      

What types of documents does TECO-Boston authenticate?

• l   TECO-Boston authenticates only original documents within the consular jurisdiction of this office including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
• l   Documents include: power of attorney, diploma, academic transcript, business document, certificate of school enrollment, certificate of professional qualification, birth certificate, and marriage registration.
• l   For the authentication of documents not included above, please call (617) 259-1350 or 1372 or e-mail (visa@tecoboston.org)(visa01@tecoboston.org) to inquire about the required procedure and documents to process an application.

 What types of documents are needed for processing in addition to personal ID?

• A duly completed application form (The applicant must sign on the form.)
• The original document(s) to be authenticated.
• Valid passport or other photo ID.
• This office reserves the right to request additional supporting documents depending on the nature of each application.

※ For business document authentication or other detailed information, please call (617) 259-1350 or 1372. 

 Fees

•  $15.00 per document and extra $7.5 for expedited fees. For english translation of a Chinese document or the Chinese translation of an English document,the document should be 1) first submitted to local notary public or the competent authority for notarization or verification or 2)signed by the applicant in front of the consular staff or a designated personnel, with a statement that the translations are true and correct. . This office accepts cash, money order, or certified bank check. TECO-Boston does not accept credit cards or personal checks. Please make money order payable to “TECO.” This fee DOES NOT include return postage.

 Other Reminders:

• Please prepare an extra photocopy of every document to be legalized for our office records. (Only one copy is needed if documents are identical.)
• If you apply by mail or request this office to return documents by mail, then a self-addressed stamped envelope is required.
• This office will be closed on US Federal holidays and the following holidays: Chinese New Year's Day (the exact date varies according to the lunar calendar) and October 10^th, the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
• Applicants may have to go to other missions or offices of the ROC (Taiwan) for documents which originate outside this office’s consular jurisdiction. Please visit www.boca.gov.tw/place/index.htm for information regarding consular districts.
• Please pick up the document(s) with the original receipt within 60 days. This office is not responsible for the safekeeping of documents indefinitely.
• Please refer to the receipt and date whenever you inquire by phone or mail regarding the status of your application.