|
Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Massachusetts commissions traditional notaries through the Secretary of the Commonwealth. A 2023 law authorizes remote online notarization after training and an online notification, but the Secretary’s office states that the training and notification form are not yet available. Notaries should not use online remote platforms at this time.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Massachusetts notary public, you must meet all of the following:
|
|
|
Start Here: Traditional Commission Only Until RON Opens
Complete the paper application and, if appointed, the $60 fee and oath. Recheck the official RON page before you treat remote notarization as available.
|
1
|
Read the official notary and RON pages Open Notary Public Information and Remote Online Notarization. |
|
2
|
Mail the application without payment Use Notary Public application (PDF). Constitutional timing can take as many as 18 days from mailing to approval notice. |
|
3
|
If you already hold a Massachusetts commission, wait for SOS training and the notification form Remote Online Notarization states those materials are not yet available. |
Part 1: Traditional Massachusetts Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Massachusetts notary public commission. Remote online notarization is not yet operational on the official Commissions page.
Checklist
|
1
|
Review the official how-to Notary Public Information, Notary Public application (PDF), and G.L. c. 222. |
|
2
|
Complete traditional notary education Not listed on the official Notary Public Information page as a required pre-commission SOS course or exam. |
|
3
|
Obtain a surety bond Not listed on the official application instructions as a required surety bond. |
|
4
|
Submit the traditional application Mail Notary Public application (PDF) with no fee enclosed. After favorable consideration, pay $60 as the appointment notice instructs. |
|
5
|
Take the oath Oaths are by appointment at Boston, Springfield, or Fall River Commissions locations. Call ahead as the Commissions page instructs. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Not yet in effect as an operational SOS process. The statute contemplates training and an online notification, but the Secretary of the Commonwealth states those are not available and that notaries should not use online remote platforms. Keep this section so you can re-check the official page when implementation proceeds.
Have these ready
|
|
|
|
Checklist
|
1
|
Read the official online-notary instructions Not yet in effect as a complete process. Recheck Remote Online Notarization for training, the notification form, and draft regulations. |
|
2
|
Complete online notary education Not yet in effect. Required training is not yet available according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. |
|
3
|
Start the online commission application Not yet in effect. The online notification form is not yet available. |
|
4
|
Sign with a digital certificate Not yet in effect. |
|
5
|
Upload your electronic seal Not yet in effect. |
|
6
|
Pay and submit Not yet in effect. No SOS RON filing fee is in operation on the current page. |
After You Are Commissioned
|
|
There is no operational RON commission to renew. Keep the traditional commission current. Recheck the official RON page before you offer remote services.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth
The $60 commission fee is from Notary Public application (PDF). Confirm it on the appointment notice before you pay. RON fees are not yet in effect.
| Item | Listed amount |
|---|---|
| Traditional notary education | Not listed on the official Notary Public Information page as a required SOS course |
| RON training | Not yet in effect (not available per the official RON page) |
| Traditional commission fee (after appointment) | $60 |
| RON notification | Not yet in effect |
| Surety bond | Not listed on the official application instructions as required |
Official Massachusetts Links
| Resource | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Notary Public Information | sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commissions/notary-information.htm |
| Remote Online Notarization | sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commissions/remote-online.htm |
| Commissions Section | (617) 727-2836 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. Become a traditional Massachusetts notary first. RON training and the notification form are not yet available, so you cannot complete an online (RON) commission now.
Q: Does Massachusetts approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Not yet. The Secretary of the Commonwealth reviewed RFI responses from platforms and will provide more information when draft rules are available for public comment. Do not use online remote platforms until the official page says you may.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Remote Online Notarization and Notary Public Information.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
