A Massachusetts notary commission lasts seven years, which is long enough that many notaries forget how renewal works. The process is mostly paper-based and depends on the Secretary of the Commonwealth having your current address. This guide explains how to renew your Massachusetts notary commission without a gap, and what happens if you miss the window.
When renewal notices are mailed
According to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Notary Renewals page, renewal applications are mailed automatically about five weeks before your commission expires. You do not need to request one. Your commission runs for seven years from appointment under c. 222 § 14, and the expiration date is printed on your commission and on your seal.
Put a reminder in your calendar for about two months before your expiration date. If the renewal packet has not arrived about five weeks out, call the Public Records Division right away rather than waiting.
Why you can't renew online
The Secretary's office states that renewal applications are not available online. Because the form is mailed to the address on file, there is no download link to fall back on. The Trial Court Law Libraries' notary page repeats the same point. If you see a website offering an "online Massachusetts notary renewal", it may be a private service that helps with paperwork or sells supplies; it is not the official renewal.
Keeping your address current (the 10-day rule)
Under c. 222 § 25, you must send the Secretary a signed notice within 10 days of any change in your:
- Name;
- Residence address;
- Business address; or
- Mailing address.
The notice must give both the old and new information. The Secretary's renewal page asks you to include your current commission expiration date. The practical reason is simple: if your address is out of date, your renewal application will go to the wrong place. Send address and name changes to the Public Records Division, Commissions Section, One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108 (617-727-2836, comm@sec.state.ma.us).
Renewal steps, oath and fee
The exact steps are in the packet you receive, and you should follow them as written. In general, renewal works like a reappointment:
- Complete the renewal application you receive by mail, answering every question. The Governor may decline a renewal for the same reasons as a new application under c. 222 § 13, such as misstatements, certain convictions or official misconduct.
- Return it as instructed, early enough to be processed before your current commission ends.
- Wait for notice of reappointment, which comes with swearing-in and payment instructions.
- Take the oath and pay the commission fee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The fee for a new commission is $60; confirm the current renewal amount in your packet.
Application-status questions go to the Governor's Council (617-725-4016); renewal, address, name and expiration questions go to the Public Records Division. The state's who-to-contact page lists both.
Ordering a new seal after renewal
Section 8 requires a new seal when your commission is renewed. Your old seal shows the old expiration date and cannot be used once that date passes. Order a new seal showing your name exactly as on the new commission and the new expiration date, in black ink if it is an inked seal. Then destroy or deface the old stamp so it cannot be used. Details in our seal and stamp guide.
Your journal carries forward. Keep using it until it is full, and keep earlier volumes safe; see our journal requirements guide.
If your commission lapsed
If your commission has already expired, stop notarizing immediately. Call the Public Records Division at 617-727-2836 to find out whether your renewal can still be processed or whether you need to apply again. If you must reapply, the process is the same as for a first-time applicant: the application, four references (including one attorney), a resume and approval by the Governor and Governor's Council. Our how to become a notary guide walks through it.
When a commission ends without renewal, the law also requires you to destroy or deface your seals and to keep your journals and records for seven years under § 24.
Acting after expiration: the penalties
Notarizing after your commission expires is not a technicality:
- Section 9 provides a fine of $100 to $500 for a notary who keeps acting after expiration having received notice of it.
- Massachusetts criminal law separately punishes pretending to be a notary (c. 268 § 33).
- Documents notarized by an expired notary may be rejected or challenged, which can cost your customers time and money and expose you to claims.
The simplest protection is keeping your address current and renewing early. Once you are reappointed, make sure clients can find you: update or create your listing in the Boston Notary Co. directory for notaries.
FAQ
When will I get my Massachusetts notary renewal form?
The Secretary of the Commonwealth mails renewal applications automatically about five weeks before your commission expires. If it has not arrived by then, call 617-727-2836.
Can I renew my Massachusetts notary commission online?
No. Renewal applications are not available online; they are mailed to the address on file.
Do I need a new stamp when I renew?
Yes. Section 8 requires a new seal on renewal, showing your name as commissioned and your new expiration date.
What happens if I notarize after my commission expires?
Section 9 provides a fine of $100 to $500 for acting after expiration with notice, and the documents may be rejected. Stop notarizing until you are reappointed.
I moved. How do I make sure I get my renewal?
Send a signed notice of the change to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within 10 days, with your old and new address and your commission expiration date.
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.