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How to become a notary public in Massachusetts. Commission term: 7 years. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
Governing Authority
Massachusetts Governor and Council (administered by Secretary of the Commonwealth)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
75% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
7 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
You must be a legal resident of Massachusetts (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Submit your application to the Massachusetts Governor and Council (administered by Secretary of the Commonwealth). Application fee: $60 commissioning fee, paid upon qualification after approval notification.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Massachusetts requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $80-$100.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 7 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Massachusetts. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must live or work in the Commonwealth.
Citizenship
No specific citizenship requirement stated
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Not RequiredNo education course required.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam required.
Compare top-rated notary education providers in Massachusetts.
Browse Notary Public study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Surety Bond
Not RequiredNo bond required in Massachusetts.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required. Optional E&O insurance is personal choice.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial seal mandatory. Must include name, 'Notary Public', 'Commonwealth of Massachusetts', and commission expiration date.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $60 commissioning fee, paid upon qualification after approval notification |
Bond Premium No bond required | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Commission fee + seal | $80-$100 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Obtain 4 signatures from known and respected community members
Provide current resume
Submit application to Secretary of the Commonwealth
Wait for Governor and Council approval (2-3 weeks)
Pay $60 commissioning fee
Purchase notary seal and journal (both mandatory)
Commission Term
7 years
Renewal Process
Submit renewal application. Processing takes 2-3 weeks.
Renewal Fee
$60 (same fee schedule as initial commission)
Massachusetts authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with Massachusetts RON requirements.
What Makes Massachusetts Unique
Massachusetts requires 4 community member signatures and Governor/Council approval. Journal is mandatory. Commission term is 7 years.
Massachusetts has a 7-year commission term.
Requires 4 community member signatures on application.
Governor and Council must approve the appointment.
Notary journal is mandatory.
No bond, exam, or education required.
Notary requirements in nearby states
| State | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | 4–17 wks | |
| Connecticut | 4–17 wks | → |
| Maine | 4–17 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | 4–17 wks | → |
| New York | 4–17 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Massachusetts
See how Massachusetts compares: Notary License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Transfer your Notary license from Massachusetts to: Connecticut → | New Hampshire → | New York → | Rhode Island → | Vermont →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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