If you want to become a Massachusetts Notary Public, complete the following steps:
- Meet Massachusetts's eligibility requirements.
- Read Chapter 222 of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2016.
- Complete the application.
- Get your application notarized by a Notary Public and endorsed by four residents.
- Pay the $60 commission fee upon notice from the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- Take your oath of office.
- Buy your Notary seal and journal.
About the Massachusetts Notary Process
The term of a Massachusetts Notary Public commission is seven years. Learn how much it costs and how long it takes to become an MA Notary Public.
Cost to Become an MA Notary
The cost to become a Notary in Massachusetts ranges between $120 and $145, depending on the vendor you choose for your Notary supplies and notarization fees.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Commissioning fee |
$60 |
| Notary fee |
Varies |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$120 - $145 |
Commission Processing Length
The Governor's office and the Secretary of the Commonwealth estimate a processing time of up to 18 days.
Massachusetts Notary Public Requirements
Find out how you may qualify for a Notary commission in the Bay State.
Eligibility
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Massachusetts. Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of or regularly conduct business in Massachusetts
Chapter 222
Applicants must read Chapter 222 of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2016. On the application, sign under penalty of perjury that you have read the chapter and agree to comply with all of its terms.
Application
Complete the application. Attach an up-to-date resume and a business card (if you have one). Print your application and bring it to:
- Notary Public: Get your application notarized by a Notary Public.
- References: Bring your notarized application to four Massachusetts residents, one of whom must be an MA attorney in good standing.
Commission Certificate
Your commission certificate will be delivered to you. Submit the $60 commissioning fee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Oath of Office
Visit a Massachusetts Notary to take your oath of office within three months of receiving your commission.
Notary Supplies
Massachusetts Notaries must have a Notary seal and journal to perform notarizations. The Notary seal may either be a black-inked stamp or embosser, and must contain the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "Commonwealth of Massachusetts" or "Massachusetts"
- The words "My commission expires _____ (date)"
- The Great Seal of Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A separate stamp with your expiration date may be used as long as it’s used in conjunction with the Notary seal.
A Notary journal to keep a record of your notarizations is also required by law.
Massachusetts Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Massachusetts Notary? We have your answers.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Governor appoints Notaries Public while the Secretary of the Commonwealth, located in Boston, MA, maintains records of Notaries and authenticates their acts.
Do I need a surety bond or insurance?
Is training or an exam required to become a Massachusetts Notary?
Applicants for a Massachusetts Notary Public commission are not required to complete training or take an exam.
The NNA offers self-paced Notary training courses online that can help you learn the fundamentals of notarizing documents and more.
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the state of Massachusetts.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for everyone, excluding yourself, spouse, domestic partner, parent, guardian, child or sibling, including in-laws, step relatives or half relatives.
You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you are named in or would benefit from.
If you perform notarizations as part of your employment, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during your work hours.
How much can Massachusetts Notaries charge per notarial act?
While Massachusetts does not set a maximum fee Notaries may charge, keep your notarial fees reasonable.
As a best practice, inform signers of your fees ahead of the notarization to avoid any confusion. Excessive charges may result in complaints to the Governor's Council.
What happens if I move or change my name?
Report any changes to your address or name to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within 10 days of the update. Provide a signed notice of the change, including both the old and new information.
For name changes, you may continue to perform notarizations under your former name until your commission expires.
What is the process to renew my commission as a Massachusetts Notary?
A renewal application will be mailed to you within five weeks of your commission expiration date. Renewal applications are not available online.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Massachusetts?
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Last updated: Jul 29, 2025