This guide details becoming a Massachusetts Notary Public and renewing a commission, based on official state sources as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, application, renewals, tools, remote notarization, and FAQs.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process for a New Notary Commission
- Surety Bond
- Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
- Oath of Office and Finalizing the Commission
- Commission Term and Expiration
- Commission Renewal Process
- Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Official Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet these criteria:
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Age & Residency: At least 18 years old; reside or have a regular place of work in Massachusetts.
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References: Submit four qualified character references, including at least one Massachusetts attorney in good standing.
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Good Character: Disclose any criminal convictions or professional discipline. Serious felonies or misconduct can lead to denial. (Must read and comply with M.G.L. Chapter 222).
Get a notary stamp that meets Massachusetts’ official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.
Order Massachusetts Notary Stamp
Application Process for a New Notary Commission
Massachusetts applications are paper-based.
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Obtain and Fill Out Application: Download Notary Public Application form from Mass.gov (Secretary of the Commonwealth's site). Type or clearly print answers. Include personal info, work history, and answer character/background questions.
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Gather Attachments:
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Staple an up-to-date resume.
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Obtain signatures from four references (one must be a MA attorney) on the "To Be Completed by Four References" page.
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Complete Oath Page (on application): This section ("To be completed by a current Massachusetts notary public") is your oath. Sign this jurat section before a current MA notary, who adds their signature, seal, and commission expiration.
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Mail Application Packet: Assemble all pages (instructions, personal data, oath, references), staple resume to end. Do not send payment yet. Mail to: Notary Public Office, State House – Room 184, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133.
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Await Approval: Processing takes ~2-3 weeks. The Secretary's office notifies in writing when the Governor and Council approve. Notification includes further instructions.
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Pay Commission Fee: After receiving official approval notice, send the $60 commissioning fee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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Receive and Record Commission: Once fee paid, the Secretary's office finalizes commission and issues certificates. You are now an official MA notary.
Surety Bond
Massachusetts does not require a surety bond for notaries public. Optional Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is a personal choice.
Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
Official Seal (Stamp): Mandatory; must be affixed or imprinted on each notarial certificate.
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Content: Must identify you as a Massachusetts Notary Public and show your commission expiration date.
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Purchase: From online vendors or local office-supply stores.
Notary Journal: Mandatory; keep a chronological journal of all notarial acts.
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Format: Physical journal: bound book, permanently numbered pages. Electronic journal: tamper-evident, meets Secretary’s rules (including periodic data submission).
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Entries: Date, type of act, document description, signer identity and ID form, fees charged, etc.
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Retention: Keep journal and records for 7 years after commission ends (expiration, resignation, revocation) per M.G.L. c.222 §22.
Oath of Office and Finalizing the Commission
After Governor’s Council approval, take the official oath to activate your commission.
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Procedure: Secretary’s approval notice includes instructions. Oath administered by an authorized official (commonly a current notary, at the Registry of Deeds, or Secretary’s office). Official notes your ID and signs the oath form (application's jurat page).
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No Separate Recording: This oath process finalizes commission. Keep the commission certificate safe.
Commission Term and Expiration
A Massachusetts notary commission is valid for seven years from commissioning date (date sworn or commission issuance). Expiration date on certificate. Renew to continue serving.
Commission Renewal Process
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Renewal Package: Secretary’s office mails renewal package ~5 weeks before expiration (applications not online).
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Complete and Return: Fill out renewal form, include updated resume/references, and $60 renewal fee.
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Oath: New oath may be required.
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Keep name/address updated with Secretary to receive renewal. If forms are not received, contact the Public Records Division.
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Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Massachusetts
RON is authorized by law (Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023).
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Requirements: Notaries must complete approved training and file notification with the Secretary's office before performing RON.
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Current Status (May 2025): Secretary is still developing rules and systems for RON. Online notification form and training modules are not yet published. Notaries should NOT perform RON until further notice and official guidance are issued. Watch Secretary’s website for updates.
Official Resources
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Secretary of the Commonwealth – Notary Commissions: Public Records Division (Commissions Section). Mail/Visit: One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108. Phone: 617-727-2836. Email: [email protected]
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Notary Public Office (State House): 24 Beacon Street, Room 184, Boston, MA 02133 (application mailing address).
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Governor’s Council: Phone 617-725-4016 (appointment status/objections).
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Mass.gov Notary Pages: Official guidance, application form (PDF).
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Ordering Journals/Stamps: Secretary’s Bookstore sells official bound journals. Stamps from online/office-supply vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the application/renewal fee?
A: $60 for new commissions and renewals, payable after application approval.
Q: How long is a commission valid?
A: Seven years from the date of commissioning.
Q: How do I renew?
A: Secretary mails renewal forms ~5 weeks before expiration. Complete and return with a $60 fee and any required updated documents.
Q: What fees can I charge as a notary?
A: Massachusetts does not cap most notarial fees (e.g., acknowledgments, jurats). Only "noting" a dishonored instrument is limited ($1.25). Charge a reasonable fee.
Q: How do I update my name or address?
A: Notify the Secretary's Public Records Division within 10 days. Call 617-727-2836 or write. Include commission expiration date.
Q: What if I lose my notary seal or stamp?
A: Obtain a replacement immediately from a legal vendor. Ensure it matches your commissioned name.
Q: How do I order a journal or get forms?
A: Official journal from Secretary’s Bookstore. Notarial certificate forms on Mass.gov or at the Secretary's office. Application form downloadable from Mass.gov.
Q: What if I have problems with a notary?
A: M.G.L. Chapter 222 authorizes Attorney General and DAs to enforce notary laws. Contact the Secretary's office for guidance, or prosecutor for criminal misconduct.