Not a government site. Always confirm with the licensing board before you apply. About us

State License Requirements
Menu

How to become a notary public in Massachusetts

Massachusetts licenses notaries statewide through the Secretary of the Commonwealth.1 The board lists $60 for the initial license1. You renew every 7 years1.

Last checked · 3 official sources

Who issues it

Secretary of the Commonwealth

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $601

Renewal

Every 7 years1

From another state

No reciprocity route1

On this page
  1. Who needs a Notary Public commission
  2. Requirements for a Notary Public commission
  3. How much a Notary Public commission costs
  4. How to apply
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Moving to Massachusetts with a license from another state
  7. City and county rules
  8. Rule changes since January 2024
  9. Common questions
  10. Notary public licenses in other states

Who needs a Notary Public commission

Massachusetts notaries take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, take jurats, witness signatures, certify copies, issue witness summonses and subpoenas, and witness the opening of a bank safe, vault or box, only while physically present in Massachusetts, under M.G.L. c. 222 as amended by Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2016 (in force January 4, 2017). A notary may not refuse a notarial act solely because of the principal’s race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, health, disability or non-customer status.2

Requirements for a Notary Public commission

Minimum age
18 years old1
Background check
No fingerprints required2
Applicants must disclose any criminal conviction (with crime, date and sentence), any suspended or revoked professional license, and any dismissal for misconduct; false statements can bring revocation and prosecution. The Governor or Governor’s Council may decline to renew for official misconduct or unsuitability.2
Residency or citizenship
Must live or work in Massachusetts; the application form is valid for out-of-state applicants.1
Also required
Four references must sign a certificate that the applicant is known to them, of high standing and character and fitted for the office; one of the four must be a member of the bar (attorney) in good standing. Attach an up-to-date resume, and have your signed applicant statement notarized by a current Massachusetts notary.1
Also required
Applicants must read M.G.L. c. 222 as amended by Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2016 and agree to comply with it.1
Also required
Notary journal: if on paper, a permanent bound register with numbered pages (M.G.L. c. 222, § 22).3

How much a Notary Public commission costs

FeeAmountPaid to
Initial license fee$601Secretary of the Commonwealth

How to apply

  1. Check you qualify: 18 or older and living or working in Massachusetts. Read M.G.L. c. 222 as amended in 2016.1
  2. Download the notary public application, answer all questions (including convictions and license discipline), have your applicant statement notarized, get four reference signatures (one from an attorney), and staple on an up-to-date resume. Do not send payment.1 mass.gov1
  3. Mail the completed application to the Notary Public Office, State House, 24 Beacon St Rm 184, Boston MA 02133-1058.1
  4. The Governor and Governor’s Council review the application; ask the Governor’s Council (617-725-4016) about status. Written notice of appointment comes in about 2 weeks with swearing-in instructions.1
  5. When approved, the Secretary of the Commonwealth sends your appointment notice with directions for being sworn in and for paying the $60 commission fee. Follow them to qualify.2
Application form
mass.gov1
Processing time
About 2 weeks from mailing to written notice of appointment (Governor’s page); the application form says it may take as many as 18 days because of constitutional time parameters (Governor’s Council action).1

Renewal and continuing education

How often
Every 7 years1
When it expires
Seven-year term. The Secretary of the Commonwealth mails a renewal application five weeks before the commission expires; renewal applications are not available online. Questions: Public Records Division, 617-727-2836.1

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Massachusetts Notary Public (commission as notary public). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Massachusetts with a license from another state

These are the routes the Secretary of the Commonwealth publishes for the Notary Public commission.

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity: a Massachusetts commission requires applying to the Governor. A non-resident may apply only if they work in Massachusetts.1

City and county rules

Statewide commission from the Governor and Governor’s Council; no city or town notary license.1

Rule changes since January 2024

  • July 17, 2026: Remote online notarization authorized by St. 2023, c. 2, but the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s training and notification form were not yet available (as quoted on the Trial Court Law Libraries page updated July 17, 2026).3

Common questions

Can I transfer my notary public license to Massachusetts?

No reciprocity: a Massachusetts commission requires applying to the Governor. A non-resident may apply only if they work in Massachusetts.1 Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Notary Public commission in Massachusetts?

Every 7 years1.

Notary public licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Apply to become a notary publicOffice of the Governor of Massachusetts (mass.gov)Checked November 6, 2026
  2. Notary Public Application (Massachusetts Governor)Office of the Governor of Massachusetts (mass.gov)Checked November 6, 2026
  3. Massachusetts law about notaries publicMassachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries (mass.gov)Dated July 17, 2026Checked November 6, 2026