A Massachusetts Notary Public is a commissioned public servant empowered by state law to perform official acts that protect the integrity of documents and transactions. Notaries serve as impartial witnesses, verify identity, deter fraud, and carry out duties established by both statute and the Massachusetts Constitution.
Notaries are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Executive Council. Under Article IV of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, a commissioned notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within Massachusetts for a seven-year term, unless the commission is revoked or the notary resigns.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 222 governs the appointment, authority, and responsibilities of Notaries Public. It defines the acts notaries may perform, the standards they must follow, and the conduct that is prohibited. These requirements include proper identification of signers, accurate recordkeeping, impartiality, and restrictions on preparing documents unless the notary is duly qualified and trained. Together, these rules ensure that every notarial act in the Commonwealth is performed lawfully, ethically, and with accountability.
Notaries are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Executive Council. Under Article IV of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, a commissioned notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within Massachusetts for a seven-year term, unless the commission is revoked or the notary resigns.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 222 governs the appointment, authority, and responsibilities of Notaries Public. It defines the acts notaries may perform, the standards they must follow, and the conduct that is prohibited. These requirements include proper identification of signers, accurate recordkeeping, impartiality, and restrictions on preparing documents unless the notary is duly qualified and trained. Together, these rules ensure that every notarial act in the Commonwealth is performed lawfully, ethically, and with accountability.
Notarial Authority - Massachusetts
Take Acknowledgments
Witness Signatures
Issue Subpoenas
Issue Summonses for Witnesses
Administer Oath / Affirmation
Certify Copies of Documents
Protest Negotiable Instruments
Jurat (Affidavits)
Take Depositions (testimony)
Witness the Opening of Bank Safe, Vault or Box
Witness Signatures
Issue Subpoenas
Issue Summonses for Witnesses
Administer Oath / Affirmation
Certify Copies of Documents
Protest Negotiable Instruments
Jurat (Affidavits)
Take Depositions (testimony)
Witness the Opening of Bank Safe, Vault or Box
Common documents that require notarization:
- Real estate transfers — warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, refinancing packages.
- Powers of attorney -- financial, healthcare, real estate, and other authority‑granting POAs.
- Affidavits and sworn statements -- affidavits, sworn declarations, court‑related statements requiring a jurat.
- Estate planning documents -- wills (self‑proving affidavits), certain acknowledgments, and state‑specific estate forms.
- Trust and beneficiary documents -- trust agreements, amendments, and related statements used by banks or third parties.
- Financial and loan paperwork -- loan modifications, HELOC documents, and certain bank/credit union forms.
- Business agreements -- contracts, vendor agreements, corporate resolutions, and authorized‑signer forms.
- Vehicle title documents -- title transfers, odometer statements, and bills of sale (state‑specific).
- Family and school permissions — travel consent letters, guardianship paperwork, school authorization forms.
- Settlement and court forms -- stipulations, sworn court filings, and documents requiring a jurat or acknowledgment.
