What You Need to Do to Become a Massachusetts Notary
To become a notary public in Massachusetts, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a resident of Massachusetts for at least one year. You then submit an process to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, pass a written examination, and take an oath of office. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from process to commission.
Massachusetts does not require you to work for a specific employer or business to become a notary — you can be self-employed, retired, or employed in any field. The state does not charge a fee for the process itself, though you will pay for the exam and any materials you choose to study with.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in Massachusetts for one year before you can explore.
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office administers the process, exam, and commission — not a private company or third party.
- You must pass a written exam covering Massachusetts notary law, which covers document authentication, journal requirements, and prohibited acts.
- Your commission lasts five years, after which you can renew by reapplying and passing the exam again.
- Massachusetts requires notaries to maintain a journal of every notarization they perform, with specific details about the document and the signer.
Check Your may be able to access Before You explore
Massachusetts has four basic requirements that you must meet before the Secretary of the Commonwealth will accept your process. You must be at least 18 years old on the date you submit your process. You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). You must have been a resident of Massachusetts for at least one year when ready before you explore. And you must be able to read and write English.
If you have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude, the Secretary of the Commonwealth may deny your process. The office will review your background as part of the process process. If you are unsure whether a past conviction will disqualify you, you can contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Notary Public Unit directly before you explore.
Get the process and Study Materials from the Secretary of the Commonwealth
The Secretary of the Commonwealth publishes the official process form and exam study guide on its website under the Notary Public section. read the process for Notary Public Commission form and the Notary Public Study Guide. The study guide covers Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 222 (the notary statute), the rules of professional conduct for notaries, and the types of documents you will notarize.
The study guide is free and covers everything tested on the exam. You do not need to purchase a third-party study book, though some people find supplementary materials helpful. The guide explains what a notary can and cannot do, how to maintain your journal, what fees you can charge, and how to handle common situations like notarizing a document for someone who does not speak English.
Complete and Submit Your process
Fill out the process for Notary Public Commission completely and accurately. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, Massachusetts address, phone number, and email address. You must list any prior criminal convictions. You will also sign a statement under oath that you meet all the may be able to access requirements and that the information you provided is true.
Mail the completed process to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Notary Public Unit at the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the exam fee — the amount varies and is listed on the process form. The office will send you an exam appointment date by mail once your process is received and processed. This typically takes one to two weeks.
Pass the Written Examination
The Massachusetts notary exam is a written test administered at the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office in Boston. The exam covers Massachusetts notary law, your duties and responsibilities, prohibited acts, journal requirements, and how to handle specific notarization scenarios. You have two hours to complete the exam, which consists of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam. The office will tell you the results on the day you test, and you can schedule a retake when ready if needed. Most people pass on the first attempt if they study the official study guide thoroughly.
Take the Oath of Office and Receive Your Commission
After you pass the exam, the Secretary of the Commonwealth will schedule you to take the oath of office. This is a brief ceremony where you swear or affirm that you will faithfully perform the duties of a notary public according to Massachusetts law. You can take the oath in person at the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office or, in some cases, by video conference.
Once you have taken the oath, you will receive your notary public commission certificate. Your commission is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can begin notarizing documents when ready. The Secretary of the Commonwealth will also issue you a notary seal and journal if you request them, though you can purchase these items from approved vendors as well.
Maintain Your Journal and Follow Massachusetts Rules
Massachusetts law requires you to keep a notary journal — a bound record of every notarization you perform. For each notarization, you must record the date, the type of document, the name and address of the person whose signature you notarized, the type of identification they showed you, and your signature and seal impression. You must keep this journal for at least five years after your commission expires.
You can charge a fee for notarizations — Massachusetts law allows up to $2 per signature as of the last update, though you should verify the current fee cap with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction, if the signer is not present before you, or if you cannot identify the signer. You also cannot notarize your own signature or a document you signed yourself.
Renew Your Commission After Five Years
Your notary commission expires five years after the date it is issued. To continue working as a notary, you must renew your commission before it expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial process: you submit a renewal form, pay the renewal fee, and pass the exam again. The Secretary of the Commonwealth will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your commission expires.
If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notarizations until you have reapplied and received a new commission. There is typically a grace period of a few months to renew after expiration, but it is best to explore before the expiration date to avoid any gap in your ability to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work for a company or law firm to become a notary in Massachusetts?
No. You can become a notary as an independent person with no employer, or while working in any field. Many notaries are self-employed and offer notary services to the public. Some work as notaries while holding another job. Massachusetts does not require you to be employed by a specific type of business.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
Yes, you can notarize documents for family members. However, you cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction — for example, if you are a beneficiary of a will or a party to a contract. If you are unsure whether a conflict exists, it is safer to decline and refer the person to another notary.
What happens if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake the exam. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You will need to pay the exam fee again for each retake. Most people pass after studying the official study guide, so take time to review the material thoroughly before your test date.
How much can I charge for notarizing a document?
Massachusetts law sets a maximum fee of $2 per signature. You can charge less than this amount or perform notarizations for free if you choose. You cannot charge more than the legal limit. Some notaries charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature — check what is allowed under current state law.
Can I notarize a document if the signer is not physically present?
Massachusetts law generally requires the signer to be physically present before you when you notarize their signature. Remote notarization is not permitted under standard Massachusetts law. If you are unsure whether a specific situation is allowed, contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Notary Public Unit.