Massachusetts moves at its own pace — and becoming a notary public here is no exception. Whether you’re looking to add a professional credential to your resume in Boston, support your real estate office on the Cape, or simply serve your local community in Western Mass, the Bay State keeps things refreshingly simple compared to many others. There’s no separate exam appointment and no mandatory training course — the application itself tests your familiarity with Massachusetts notary law — and no lengthy background check standing between you and your commission. That said, the process has a few quirks you’ll want to understand before you dive in. Here’s exactly how to get it done.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts keeps the eligibility bar straightforward. To qualify as a notary public, you need to meet these three criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Massachusetts
- Have no felony convictions unless pardoned
That’s it. You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen, and there’s no requirement to demonstrate any particular level of education or professional background. If you meet those three conditions, you’re eligible to apply.
What You’ll Need
Before you sit down to fill out your application, have these items ready to go:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Working knowledge of Massachusetts notary law — the application includes questions you must answer correctly (the state’s free notary handbook is the study source)
- The $60 commission fee — not paid up front; it comes due after your commission certificate is issued
There’s no separate training course or exam appointment, but the application isn’t knowledge-free: it embeds questions on Massachusetts notary law right in the form. Read the handbook first and it’s straightforward.
Step 1: Complete the Application
Submit your notary application to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, which processes notary commissions on behalf of the Governor (appointments are made with the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council — there’s no county-level commissioning in Massachusetts). The application asks for basic identifying information, so make sure everything matches your government-issued ID exactly. Discrepancies between your application name and your ID can cause delays or even rejection.
Take a few minutes to double-check every field — your commission is statewide, but accuracy still matters for your certificate and your stamp.
Step 2: Receive Your Commission
Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, though turnaround times can fluctuate depending on the volume of applications the office is handling. Once approved, you’ll receive your commission certificate in the mail — and with it comes the bill: the $60 fee is paid after the certificate issues, not with the application.
Your commission is valid for seven years, which is longer than many states offer. That’s a nice perk, but it also means it’s easier to forget about your expiration date when it finally rolls around. Set a reminder well in advance — we’ll talk more about that in a moment.
Step 3: Get Your Notary Supplies
Once you know your commission has been approved, it’s time to order your supplies. Don’t wait until the last minute, because you’ll need your stamp before you can lawfully perform any notarial acts.
- A Massachusetts notary stamp — must meet state requirements for size, format, and included information. Using a non-compliant stamp can invalidate your notarizations and put your commission at risk.
- A notary record book (journal) — required under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 222. If a notarization is ever questioned, your journal is your best record of what happened, and many employers and clients expect you to maintain one as a matter of professional practice.
Step 4: Take Your Oath — Within Three Months
Here’s the step with a real deadline attached: once your commission is issued, you must be sworn in within three months, or the commission lapses. There’s no county office involved — Massachusetts commissions come from the Governor (with the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council), and you can typically take the oath before any notary public or justice of the peace. Don’t let your certificate sit in a drawer; the three-month window closes faster than people expect, and the Governor’s Council office sends warning letters before a commission lapses for want of an oath.
Common Mistakes New Massachusetts Notaries Make
Even with a straightforward process, new notaries in Massachusetts tend to run into the same handful of problems:
- Missing the three-month oath window — your commission can lapse, and notarizations performed before you’re sworn in invite challenges
- Using an incorrect stamp format — your stamp must meet Massachusetts requirements exactly, including your name as it appears on your commission, the words “Notary Public,” “Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” and your commission expiration date
- Letting your commission expire — reappointment can take weeks, so don’t wait until the last minute to start the renewal process
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — this is grounds for revocation in Massachusetts, even if the signer seems trustworthy or sends a photo of their ID
Remote Online Notarization in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has enacted remote online notarization (RON) legislation, but as of 2026 it is not yet operational — no platforms have been approved and the rules are not yet in force. Until the state stands the system up, every notarization requires the signer to be physically present. If RON is part of your plan, watch the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s announcements rather than third-party marketing claims.
How Much Does It Cost?
One of the best things about becoming a notary in Massachusetts is how affordable it is. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Commission fee (paid after your certificate is issued): $60
- Notary stamp: $15-30
- Notary journal (required): $15-25
Total estimated cost: $90-$115
That covers everything you need to get started. Keep in mind that while errors and omissions (E&O) insurance isn’t included in that total because it isn’t required, many notaries choose to add it for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary in Massachusetts?
From the time you submit your application to the moment you’ve taken your oath and have your stamp in hand, expect about 4-6 weeks. Most of that time is processing, so ordering your supplies while you wait can help you hit the ground running once your commission arrives.
Do I need errors & omissions insurance in Massachusetts?
It’s not required by Massachusetts law, but it is strongly recommended. E&O insurance protects you personally if a notarization is challenged or if an honest mistake leads to financial loss for someone involved. Without it, you could be on the hook for legal fees and damages out of your own pocket. Policies are generally affordable and well worth the investment.
Can a Massachusetts notary charge fees for notarizations?
Yes. Massachusetts law does not set a maximum notary fee — charge a reasonable fee agreed with the signer beforehand. Notary work in Massachusetts is often used as a value-added service within other professions — real estate, legal, banking — rather than a standalone income source.
How do I renew my notary commission in Massachusetts?
Begin the reappointment process well before your current commission expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application — you’ll submit a new application, pay the $60 fee once your new commission issues, and take a new oath within the three-month window. Don’t wait until your commission has already lapsed, as there’s no grace period for performing notarial acts with an expired commission.
Does Massachusetts require a notary journal?
Yes. Massachusetts law (General Laws chapter 222) requires notaries to keep a journal of their notarial acts. If a notarization is ever disputed, a well-kept journal is your most reliable record of what happened — who signed, what they signed, when, and what identification was presented.
State-Specific Notes
- Journal required: Massachusetts notaries must keep a record of their notarial acts under GL c.222 — build the habit from your first signing.
- Seven-year commission: Massachusetts offers one of the longer commission periods in the country. Use that to your advantage, but don’t let the long window make you complacent about renewal.
- Governor-appointed commissions: Massachusetts notaries are appointed by the Governor (with the Governor’s Council’s consent) and sworn in within three months — there’s no county office visit anywhere in the process.
Sources
- How To Become A Notary Public In Massachusetts — NNA
- National Notary Association — Notary Fees by State
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Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Massachusetts commonly report earning $75–$200 per appointment, though rates vary by state and experience. One of the most comprehensive training programs available.
*RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization (our sister site) — Massachusetts has RON legislation on the books but it isn’t operational yet. Learn the technology now and be first in line when it launches.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Massachusetts notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
