Becoming a notary public in Massachusetts is simpler than in many states: there is no state exam, no required course and no surety bond for a traditional in-person commission. You still need a careful application, four references and approval at the highest level of state government. This guide walks through how to become a notary in Massachusetts in 2026, step by step, using the official application process.
Who can become a notary in Massachusetts
Under M.G.L. c. 222 § 13, an applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old, and
- Live in Massachusetts, or have a regular place of work or business in the Commonwealth.
That second point matters for commuters. If you live in New Hampshire or Rhode Island but work in Boston every day, you can still apply; the application itself notes that it is valid for out-of-state applicants. The Governor's office also asks every applicant to read Chapter 222 of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2016, and to agree to follow it. If you have not read the law yet, our plain-English overview of Massachusetts notary law under Chapter 222 is a good starting point.
Who appoints notaries (Governor, Governor's Council and Secretary of the Commonwealth)
Three offices share the job, and knowing which one handles what saves a lot of phone calls:
| Office | Role |
|---|---|
| Governor's Notary Public Office (State House, Room 184) | Receives and reviews applications |
| Governor's Council | Confirms appointments; answers application-status questions (617-725-4016) |
| Secretary of the Commonwealth, Public Records Division, Commissions Section | Administers the oath, collects the $60 fee, keeps commission records, handles renewals and name or address changes (617-727-2836) |
The state's who-to-contact page lays out the same split.
Step 1: Download and complete the application
Download the Notary Public Application (PDF) from the Governor's become a notary public page. It is a petition to the Governor and asks for:
- Your full legal name and any other names you have used. Think about how you will sign as a notary; the name you list is the name that will go on your commission and your seal.
- Home and business addresses (no P.O. boxes for the residence), phone numbers and email.
- Ten years of prior addresses, schools attended since age 18, your occupation, employer and supervisor.
- Yes/no questions about criminal convictions, suspended or revoked licenses and dismissals for misconduct, with a written explanation for any "yes".
- Your reasons for seeking a commission.
The application also includes a sworn statement in which you initial each core duty, such as identifying signers with satisfactory evidence and not refusing a signer just because they are not a customer of your business. You sign it under the pains and penalties of perjury, and a current Massachusetts notary must complete a jurat on your application. A false statement on the application is a serious crime, so answer every question completely.
Step 2: Collect four references (including an attorney)
The reference page needs signatures from four people who know you and will certify, under the pains and penalties of perjury, that you are of good character and fit for the position. One of the four must be an attorney in good standing. Each reference gives a signature, date, printed name, Massachusetts city or town of residence and relationship to you.
Practical tips:
- Ask references who know you professionally or in the community, not only family.
- If you do not know a lawyer, ask a colleague, your employer's counsel or a local attorney you have worked with.
- Make sure every signature line is complete. A missing date or printed name can slow your application down.
Step 3: Mail the application and resume to the State House
Staple all four pages of the application, a current resume and any explanation pages together, and mail them to:
Notary Public Office, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Room 184, Boston, MA 02133
Do not send money with the application; the form says so directly. Leave the instruction page out of the envelope. If you send the office a separate question by regular mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Step 4: Approval, oath of office and the $60 fee
After the Governor and the Governor's Council approve your appointment, you are notified in writing. The notice includes swearing-in directions and payment instructions. You then:
- Take the oath of office, administered by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The Commissions Section gives oaths by appointment in Boston, Springfield and Fall River.
- Pay the $60 commission fee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Follow the deadline and instructions in your notice exactly. Your commission is valid statewide for seven years under c. 222 § 14, unless it is revoked or you resign.
Step 5: Get your seal and journal
The state does not issue seals. You order your own from a stamp vendor or office supply store, and it must meet the requirements of c. 222 § 8: your name exactly as commissioned, the words "notary public" and "Massachusetts" or "Commonwealth of Massachusetts", the "My commission expires" date and a facsimile of the state seal, in black ink. See our notary seal and stamp guide for details.
Unless you are exempt (for example, an attorney or an attorney's employee), you must also keep a bound journal with numbered pages. The State Bookstore sells one for $12 plus tax. Our journal requirements guide explains what each entry must include.
How long it takes and what it costs in total
The Governor's office estimates about two weeks from mailing to written notice of appointment, and the application form mentions up to 18 days. Allow extra time on both ends for collecting references, scheduling your oath and ordering a seal, so plan on several weeks from start to your first notarization.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application | No fee to apply |
| Commission fee (paid after approval) | $60 |
| Notary seal or stamp | Varies by vendor |
| Journal | $12 plus tax at the State Bookstore, or vendor pricing |
| Optional extras (errors and omissions insurance, association membership, training) | Not required by the state |
Common reasons applications are denied
The Governor has discretion to deny an appointment, reappointment or renewal. Section 13 lists grounds including:
- A material misstatement or omission on the application.
- A conviction that resulted in a prison sentence, or certain misdemeanor convictions resulting in probation or a fine.
- Admitting to sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt.
- A civil finding or admission of fraud or deceit.
- A revoked, suspended, restricted or denied notary commission or professional license in any jurisdiction.
- Any other reason, including official misconduct, that makes the applicant unsuitable.
Incomplete paperwork is the most avoidable problem. Double-check that the jurat is completed, all four references signed, one reference is an attorney, and your resume is attached.
Once you are commissioned, consider listing your services so people can find you. Boston Notary Co. offers directory listings for Massachusetts notaries, and you can see how listings appear on our Boston notary page.
FAQ
Do I need to take an exam or course to become a notary in Massachusetts?
No. The official process for a traditional in-person commission does not include a state exam, mandatory course or bond. You must read Chapter 222 and agree to follow it. Training may be required in the future for remote online notarization.
Can I become a Massachusetts notary if I live in another state?
Yes, if you have a regular place of work or business in Massachusetts. The law allows applicants who live or regularly work or do business in the Commonwealth.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Massachusetts?
The state charges a $60 commission fee, paid to the Secretary of the Commonwealth after your appointment is approved. You also pay for your own seal and journal.
How do I check the status of my application?
Call the Governor's Council at 617-725-4016. Questions after appointment, such as your oath, renewal or address changes, go to the Public Records Division at 617-727-2836.
How long is a Massachusetts notary commission valid?
Seven years, statewide, unless it is revoked or you resign.
This guide from Boston Notary Co., a privately operated directory and not a government agency, is general information, not legal advice; confirm current law and procedures with the official sources linked above.