A notary public is a public servant responsible for conducting a public service and performing notarial acts such as the witnessing of the signing of important documents.
- This page, Apply to become a notary public, is offered by
- Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll
Apply to become a notary public
Contacts
Public Records Division in the Secretary of State's Office
Governor's Council
Notary Public Office
Address
The Details of Apply to become a notary public
What you need for Apply to become a notary public
If you wish to become a notary public, you must be at least 18 years old and live or work in the Commonwealth. You must also complete the application, which requires you to obtain 4 signatures of known and respected members of your community.
Applicants must also read Chapter 222 of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2016, and agree to comply with all of its terms.
Fees for Apply to become a notary public
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| A fee of $60 is charged by the Secretary of the Commonwealth upon qualification. You will not need to pay this fee until you receive notification that your application has been approved by the Governor and the Governor's Council. | $60 | each |
How to apply Apply to become a notary public
You can find the application to become a notary public online. To complete the application you will need to provide a current resume.
Completed applications can be mailed to:
Notary Public Office
State House
24 Beacon St RM 184
Boston Ma 02133-1058
More info for Apply to become a notary public
Contact Information for Other Questions
Via Phone
Please contact the Public Records Division in the Secretary of State's Office at (617) 727-2836 if you need to:
- Renew your application
- Change your address
- Change the name on your Notary Commission
- Find out the expiration date of a Notary Commission
- Find the contact information for a Notary Public
- Order a new seal or new stamp*
If you have questions regarding the status of your notary application, please call the Governor's Council at (617) 725-4016.
*Many reputable providers can be found online, or you may also purchase a notary stamp from your local office supply store.
Via Regular Mail
To ask a question about the notary public process and duties or to request a notary public application through regular mail (which must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with at least 60 cents postage) send all mail to:
Notary Public Office
State House
24 Beacon St RM 184
Boston Ma 02133-1058
Please note: It takes approximately 2 weeks from the time the applicant mails the completed form back to the State House to receive written notification of the appointment, which will include swearing in instructions.
Complaints
There is no single state-wide office that receives complaints against notaries. Section 18 of Chapter 222 of the General Laws empowers the attorney general and district attorneys to prosecute any notary public violating the provisions of Chapter 222. Citizen complaints that are criminal in nature may be made to a prosecutor’s office or to a local police department. Additionally, notaries serve seven year terms and the Governor or Governor’s Council may choose not to renew a notary’s commission if the notary engages in official misconduct or is otherwise not suitable to serve as a notary public. Should you wish to oppose an individual notary’s re-appointment, you should send a written statement or, if applicable, a copy of your police report to the Governor's Legal Office, State House, Room 271, Boston, MA 02133.. A copy of your correspondence should also be sent to the Notary Public Office: State House, Room 184, Boston, MA 02133.
Downloads for Apply to become a notary public
Open PDF file, 1.47 MB,
Notary Public Application
(English, PDF 1.47 MB)
Open DOCX file, 30.25 KB,
Chapter 222 As Amended
(English, DOCX 30.25 KB)