Massachusetts Acknowledgment Form - M.G.L. c. 222 § 15(b)

Quick Overview

• Use for: Deeds, powers of attorney, contracts, real estate documents

• Legal basis: M.G.L. Chapter 222, Section 15(b)

• Format: Professional PDF, print unlimited copies

• Price: $5.99 (or save $9 with Complete Bundle)

• Delivery: Instant download after purchase

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What is a Massachusetts Acknowledgment Form?

An acknowledgment is the most common notarial act performed in Massachusetts. It confirms that a person appeared before you, was properly identified, and acknowledged that they signed a document voluntarily for the purposes stated in the document.

Unlike a jurat (which requires the signer to swear or affirm the document's truthfulness), an acknowledgment simply confirms the signer's identity and voluntary signature. The signer does NOT have to sign in your presence, but they must personally appear before you to acknowledge their signature.

Legal Authority

This form is based on the exact statutory language in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 222, Section 15(b), as amended by Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2016 and Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023.

Massachusetts law requires notaries to use the statutory certificate forms. Using outdated or non-compliant forms may invalidate the notarization. Our forms are updated to reflect current Massachusetts law as of 2026.

When to Use an Acknowledgment in Massachusetts

Use the acknowledgment certificate for:

• Real estate deeds - Required for all property transfers in Massachusetts

• Powers of attorney - Both general and healthcare powers of attorney

• Mortgage documents - Home loans and refinancing paperwork

• Trust documents - Living trusts and trust amendments

• Corporate resolutions - Business documents requiring notarization

• Contracts and agreements - When acknowledgment is specified

• Affidavits of identity - Proving identity for various purposes

• Most recordable documents - Documents filed with Registry of Deeds

When NOT to Use an Acknowledgment

Do NOT use an acknowledgment for:

• Affidavits - Use a jurat form instead (requires oath)

• Sworn statements - Use a jurat when document requires sworn testimony

• Court filings requiring oath - Check document to determine if oath is required

Acknowledgment vs. Jurat: What's the Difference?

This is the most common question notaries ask. Here's the clear difference:

How to Complete a Massachusetts Acknowledgment

Follow these steps to properly complete an acknowledgment certificate:

Step 1: Verify Identity

The signer must appear before you in person. Verify their identity using satisfactory evidence such as a current driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You must be certain of their identity.

Step 2: Confirm Acknowledgment

Ask the signer: "Do you acknowledge that you signed this document voluntarily for the purposes stated in it?" They must verbally acknowledge yes. They do NOT need to sign in your presence (the signature can already be on the document).

Step 3: Complete the Certificate

Fill in the acknowledgment certificate with:

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts

• County where notarization occurred

• Date of notarization

• Signer's name (printed exactly as on ID)

• How you verified identity (e.g., "Massachusetts driver's license")

• Your signature

• Your printed name

• Your notary seal/stamp

• Your commission expiration date

Step 4: Record in Journal

Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 222, § 22) requires you to record all notarial acts in your journal, including date, type of act, document description, signer's name and address, ID method, and fees charged.

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