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 resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You then take a written exam administered by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office, pass it, and submit your process with the required documents and fee. The whole process typically takes four to six weeks from exam to commission.
Massachusetts does not require you to take a preparatory course before the exam, though many people do. You can study on your own using the official study materials, or enroll in a course through a community college or online provider. The exam itself covers Massachusetts notary law, your duties and limitations, and how to handle common notarization situations.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, a Massachusetts resident, and able to read and write English to sit for the notary exam.
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth administers the exam; you register and pay the exam fee directly through their office.
- After passing the exam, you submit your process with a completed form, fingerprints, and the commission fee to receive your notary commission.
- Your commission lasts five years and must be renewed if you want to continue working as a notary.
- You can study for the exam using free state materials or enroll in a paid course; neither is required, but both help most people pass.
Meeting the Basic Requirements
Massachusetts has straightforward may be able to access rules. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Massachusetts, and able to read and write English fluently. You cannot have been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude. If you have a criminal record, contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office directly to ask whether your specific conviction will disqualify you—the rules depend on the nature and timing of the conviction.
Residency means you live in Massachusetts, not that you own property there. If you are unsure whether your living situation counts as residency, the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office can clarify. You will need to prove residency when you submit your final process, so keep documents like a lease, utility bill, or driver's license handy.
Registering for and Taking the Exam
The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office administers the notary exam. You register online through their website, pay the exam fee (currently $50, though this can change), and receive a confirmation with your exam date and location. Exams are offered regularly throughout the year at multiple locations across the state, so you can usually find a date within a few weeks of registering.
The exam is written, not oral, and covers Massachusetts notary law, your powers and duties, and practical scenarios. You have two hours to complete it. You need a score of at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam; there is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must pay the fee each time.
Study materials are available free on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website. They include the official notary handbook and sample exam questions. Many people find these materials sufficient to pass. If you prefer structured instruction, community colleges and online providers offer notary courses, typically costing $50 to $200. These courses are not required, but they can help you understand the material faster.
Submitting Your process After Passing the Exam
Once you pass the exam, you have one year to submit your commission process. You will need to complete the notary commission process form (available on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website), provide proof of residency, and submit your fingerprints for a background check. The fingerprints must be taken by an authorized provider; many police departments, banks, and security companies offer this service for a small fee.
You will also need to pay the commission fee, which is currently $50 for a five-year commission. Include a check or money order with your process. Mail everything to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office at the address listed on the process form. Processing typically takes four to six weeks.
Once your process is approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate by mail. This certificate is your official proof that you are a notary. Keep it in a safe place; you will need it if you ever need to renew your commission or if someone questions your authority to notarize a document.
Understanding Your Duties and Limitations as a Notary
As a Massachusetts notary, you can administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments (verify that someone signed a document), and certify copies of certain documents. You cannot give legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent someone in court. Many people become notaries to help with real estate transactions, loan signings, and document verification for their employer or community.
You must keep a notary journal—a record of every notarization you perform. The journal must include the date, the type of notarization, the document title, the signer's name and address, and how you identified the signer. This journal is a legal record and can be subpoenaed in court. You are responsible for maintaining it accurately and securely for at least five years.
You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are related to the signer, or if the signer is not present in front of you. These rules protect the integrity of notarized documents and prevent fraud. Violating them can result in fines, loss of your commission, or both.
Renewing Your Notary Commission
Your notary commission lasts five years from the date it is issued. To continue working as a notary after that, you must renew your commission. The renewal process is simpler than the initial process: you do not need to retake the exam. Instead, you submit a renewal form, proof of residency, and the renewal fee (currently $50) to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your commission expires. If you do not receive one, you can contact the office directly or check their website for renewal important date. Renewing before your commission expires ensures there is no gap in your authority to notarize documents.
Finding Work as a Notary in Massachusetts
Many notaries work part-time or as a side service. Real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and title companies frequently hire notaries or refer clients to them. Banks and credit unions sometimes employ notaries. You can also advertise independently through word of mouth, local community boards, or online platforms that connect notaries with people who need documents notarized.
Some notaries charge a fee per notarization (Massachusetts law allows you to set your own fee, though $5 to $15 per signature is typical). Others work as employees and do not charge clients directly. If you work for an employer, ask whether they have rules about what you can charge or whether you can notarize documents outside of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a notary course before the exam?
No. Massachusetts does not require a course. You can study using free materials from the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website. Many people pass the exam this way. A paid course can help you prepare faster, but it is not mandatory.
What if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts. You must pay the exam fee each time you take it. Most people who study the official materials pass on their first or second attempt.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
No. Massachusetts law prohibits you from notarizing documents for relatives or anyone you have a financial interest in. This rule exists to prevent fraud and conflicts of interest.
How much can I charge to notarize a document?
Massachusetts law does not set a maximum fee for notarizations. You can charge what you think is fair, though $5 to $15 per signature is common. If you work for an employer, they may set fees or rules about what you can charge.
What happens if I move out of Massachusetts?
Your Massachusetts notary commission becomes invalid if you move out of state. You would need to become a notary in your new state. If you move back to Massachusetts later, you can renew your old commission if it has not expired, or explore for a new one if it has.