What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in Massachusetts

To become a notary 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 complete a notary process through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, pay a fee (currently $50), and take an oath before a judge, clerk of court, or notary public. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from process to commission.

Massachusetts does not require you to pass a test or complete formal training before becoming a notary, though many people choose to take a study course to understand the rules. Once commissioned, your notary seal is valid for seven years, after which you can renew by reapplying and paying the renewal fee.

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 become a notary.
  • The process goes to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, costs $50, and requires you to take an oath in front of a judge or clerk of court.
  • Massachusetts does not require a written test, but you are responsible for knowing notary law and the rules that govern what you can and cannot notarize.
  • Your commission lasts seven years, and you can renew it by submitting a new process and fee before your current commission expires.
  • You must obtain a notary seal and journal before you perform your first notarization, and you are legally required to keep a record of every document you notarize.

may be able to access Requirements You Must Meet

Massachusetts has straightforward may be able to access rules. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in Massachusetts for at least one year. You cannot have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud, and you cannot have had a notary commission revoked in any state.

If you have moved to Massachusetts recently, you must wait until your one-year residency period is complete before you submit your process. The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office will verify your residency, so use your current address on the process.

How to Submit Your process to the Secretary of the Commonwealth

You submit your notary process directly to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. The process form is available on the Secretary's website. You fill it out with your personal information, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for $50 to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID and proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated at least one year before your process). The Secretary's office processes applications in the order they are received. You can contact the office by phone to confirm receipt of your process, but processing times vary.

Taking the Oath Before a Judge or Clerk of Court

After the Secretary of the Commonwealth approves your process, you must take an oath in front of a judge, clerk of court, or an existing notary public. This oath confirms that you understand your duties and will perform them honestly. You do not need to schedule this in advance with the court — you can walk into most district courts or the superior court in your county and ask to take the notary oath.

Bring your approval letter from the Secretary of the Commonwealth and a government-issued photo ID. The oath takes only a few minutes. Once you have taken the oath, you return the signed oath form to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office. At that point, your commission becomes official.

Obtaining Your Notary Seal and Journal

Before you notarize your first document, you must obtain a notary seal and a notary journal. The seal is a stamp or embosser that you use to mark documents you notarize. You can order a seal from any office supply company or online retailer — there is no requirement to use a specific vendor, but the seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," and "Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

The journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform. Massachusetts law requires you to keep this record, and it must include the date, the type of document, the names of the people involved, and how you verified their identity. You can purchase a journal from an office supply store or online. Keep your journal in a safe place and do not allow anyone else to write in it.

Understanding What You Can and Cannot Notarize

As a notary in Massachusetts, you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths, and certify copies of certain public records. You cannot notarize a document for yourself, and you cannot notarize a signature if you have a financial interest in the document. You also cannot notarize a document if the signer is not present in front of you.

You are responsible for verifying the identity of the person whose signature you notarize. You can do this by checking a government-issued photo ID or by confirming their identity through a credible witness. If you are unsure whether you can notarize something, it is better to decline than to notarize incorrectly. Improper notarizations can result in fines or loss of your commission.

Renewing Your Notary Commission

Your notary commission is valid for seven years from the date it is issued. To renew, you submit a new process and fee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth before your current commission expires. The renewal process is the same as the initial process, and you must take the oath again in front of a judge or clerk of court.

If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notarizations until you have reapplied and been approved. The Secretary of the Commonwealth typically sends a reminder before your commission expires, but it is your responsibility to track the expiration date and submit your renewal on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a test to become a notary in Massachusetts?

No, Massachusetts does not require a written test. However, you are responsible for understanding notary law and the rules that govern what you can notarize. Many people take a study course or read the Secretary of the Commonwealth's notary handbook to prepare, even though it is not required.

How much does it cost to become a notary in Massachusetts?

The process fee is $50, and the renewal fee is also $50. You will also need to buy a notary seal (typically $15 to $40) and a journal (typically $10 to $30), depending on where you order them. These are one-time or occasional costs, not fees paid to the state.

Can I notarize documents for my family members?

Yes, you can notarize documents for family members as long as you do not have a financial interest in the document and you properly verify their identity. However, many notaries avoid notarizing for family to prevent conflicts of interest or questions about impartiality.

What happens if I move out of Massachusetts after I become a notary?

Your Massachusetts notary commission becomes invalid if you move out of state. If you move back to Massachusetts within seven years, you can renew your commission. If you move to another state, you must become a notary in that state if you want to continue performing notarizations.

Can I notarize documents online or by video in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law does not currently allow remote notarization for most documents. The signer must be physically present in front of you. Check the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website for any updates, as laws can change.