How to Become a Notary in Massachusetts (2026 Guide)
Published January 23, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026
Key Takeaways
- No exam, no training course, no surety bond required
- Commission fee: $60 | Commission term: 7 years
- Must be 18+, a MA resident, and have no felony convictions
- One of the longest commission terms in the country
- Paper application only, mailed to the State House
Massachusetts has one of the longest commission terms in the country at 7 years. No exam, no bond, and no training are required. The application is paper-based and mailed to the Notary Public Office at the State House in Boston. Here is how the process works.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Massachusetts resident or work in the state
- Have no felony convictions involving moral turpitude
- Be able to read and write English
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Paper Application
Download the notary public application from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Fill it out and mail it to: Notary Public Office, State House Room 184, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133. Include the $60 commission fee with your application.
Step 2: Governor’s Council Approval
Massachusetts notaries are commissioned by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council (also called the Executive Council). This is a unique process not found in other states. Your application goes through this approval step, which typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Step 3: Buy Your Supplies
Once commissioned, purchase your notary stamp (required) and a journal (recommended). Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50. Your stamp must include your name, “Notary Public,” “Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” and your commission expiration date.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commission fee | $60 |
| Notary stamp | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $85-$135 |
Massachusetts is one of the more affordable states to become a notary despite the $60 fee, since there is no bond, no exam fee, and no training cost.
How Much Can Massachusetts Notaries Charge?
Massachusetts does not set a statutory maximum fee for notarizations. Notaries may charge a reasonable fee. Best practice is to clearly communicate your fees before performing the notarization to avoid disputes.
What Notarial Acts Can Massachusetts Notaries Perform?
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take verifications on oath or affirmation
- Witness signatures
- Certify copies of documents
- Note protests of negotiable instruments (requires journal entry)
Notary Stamp Requirements
Massachusetts requires a notary stamp or seal. It must include your name as it appears on your commission, “Notary Public,” “Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” and your commission expiration date. You must use your stamp on every notarial certificate.
Can You Notarize for Family Members in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. However, you cannot notarize any document in which you have a direct financial interest. Keeping a journal for all notarizations provides documentation if a notarization is ever challenged.
Do You Need E&O Insurance?
Not required. Massachusetts has no bond requirement, so there is no built-in protection for the public. E&O insurance protects you personally from lawsuits related to notary mistakes. Policies typically run $30-$100 per year.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
- Notarizing without authority: criminal penalty
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation: the Governor may revoke your commission at any time
- Civil liability: you can be held personally liable for damages caused by your errors
Employer Obligations
- Your commission is personal and does not belong to your employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp and journal go with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures
- An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability
Renewal
Massachusetts notary commissions last 7 years. Reapply through the same paper process with a new $60 fee. There is no renewal exam or additional requirement.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Massachusetts authorized RON through Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, but as of 2026, remote online notarization is not yet operational. The Secretary of the Commonwealth has not yet issued guidance or approved RON technology providers. Do not perform remote notarizations until the state provides official instructions.
Becoming a Signing Agent in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is an attorney-closing state, meaning real estate closings require attorney involvement. Signing agents can still handle loan document signings, but the closing itself requires a licensed attorney. Boston and Greater Boston are the top markets for signing agents in the state, with typical fees of $125-$200 per signing.
How Massachusetts Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Massachusetts | Connecticut | New York | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | None | None | None | None |
| Exam | No | Yes | No | Yes (80%) |
| Training | No | No | No | No |
| Term | 7 years | 5 years | 4 years | 4 years |
| Max Fee | Reasonable | $5 | $2 | $25 |
| Journal | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
Massachusetts stands out for its 7-year commission term, the longest in the Northeast. None of these states require a bond. Rhode Island requires an exam with an 80% passing score. New York has the lowest fee cap at just $2. Connecticut is the only neighboring state that requires an exam without requiring training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts does not require a notary exam or training course.
Do I need a surety bond in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts does not require a surety bond or E&O insurance.
How long does a Massachusetts notary commission last?
7 years. One of the longest commission terms in the country.
Is a notary journal required in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts only requires a journal for protests of negotiable instruments. For all other notarizations, a journal is strongly recommended but not mandatory.
How do I apply to become a Massachusetts notary?
Download the application from the Secretary of the Commonwealth website, fill it out, and mail it with the $60 fee to the Notary Public Office at the State House. Your commission is issued by the Governor through the Governor’s Council.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- How to Become a Notary in New York
- Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations for Signing Agents
- How to Become a Notary in Connecticut
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth and MGL Chapter 222.
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