Notary Public in Massachusetts
Browse 169 cities in Massachusetts to find a notary public near you.
Massachusetts notaries are appointed by the Governor and serve a 7-year commission. Boston's thriving legal, financial, and academic sectors create strong demand for notary services, and the state has an active market for real estate document signings — from Greater Boston suburbs to the Cape and Islands. There's no statutory fee cap, so ask before booking. Massachusetts has enacted a remote online notarization law that, like California's and D.C.'s, is not yet in active operation — check current status rather than assuming a video-call notarization is available. Massachusetts requires training but no bond or exam to become a notary — a lighter bar than most 7-year-term states impose.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
Massachusettsdoesn't offer a free public tool to look up an individual notary's commission status online. To verify one, contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (appointed by the Governor) at www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/notary-public/notary-public.htm directly.
What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, Massachusetts law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at No state maximum — notary sets their own fee. A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in Massachusetts
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 7 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Training course | Required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in Massachusetts typically runs $120–$145, covering the application, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (appointed by the Governor).