This is an application to become a notary public in the state of Massachusetts. Both state residents and out-of-state residents can apply with this form. This is an application only and you are not able to serve as a Massachusetts notary public until your application has been approved and you have been sworn in.
How To Apply
- The cover page is for your own recordkeeping. Set it aside for now and proceed to page 1.
- Describe briefly why you are applying to be a Massachusetts notary public. This is usually related to your employment. Law firms, banks, title companies, insurance agents, and other businesses often expect some of their employees to become notaries.
- Enter your name exactly as you wish it to appear on your notary documents. Check the box to indicate if you are male or female.
- Enter your complete current address of residence, and indicate how many years you have lived at this residence. Use the street address and do not list a post office box unless there is no mail delivery at your residence. Use the legal name of your town even if it is different from the post office that delivers your mail.
- Enter your current occupation.
- Enter your complete business address. If you are self-employed, this may be the same as your residence address. Use the legal name of the town even if it is different from the post office that delivers the mail.
- Enter the phone numbers where you can be reached during the day and during the evening. If you are self-employed, these may be the same.
- Enter your date and place of birth.
- Check whether you have ever had a professional license suspended or revoked. If you check yes, include an explanation on a separate sheet of paper.
- Check if you have ever been convicted of a crime, even if the records have been sealed. If you check yes, include an explanation on a separate sheet of paper.
- Sign the form with your complete name as you entered it above.
- Print your complete name as you entered it above.
- Enter your complete previous address of residence, and indicate how many years you lived at this residence. Use the street address and do not list a post office box unless there is no mail delivery at your residence. Use the legal name of your town even if it is different from the post office that delivers your mail.
- Enter the name of your current employer.
- Enter the name of your current supervisor.
- Enter how long you have lived in Massachusetts.
- Enter the names and locations of all schools, colleges, or universities you have attended since you turned 18.
- Check whether you have ever held a commission as a Massachusetts notary public or Justice of the Peace. If you check yes, enter when your term expires or has expired. Check whether there have been any complaints against your commission. If you held your commission under a different name, enter your previous name.
- Sign the form using your complete name as entered above. Your signature affirms that all the information you entered is true and correct.
- Enter your name on the next page. This page acknowledges that you understand the duties and responsibilities of a Massachusetts notary public.
- Take the application to a current Massachusetts notary public. Sign the form in his or her presence. He or she will enter the date, verify your identity and record your identification document, sign the form, and apply his or her seal.
- Enter your name on the next page.
- You must obtain four character references, and one must be an attorney in good standing. All references must sign, print their names under their signatures, enter their city of residence, and explain their relationship to you. If your references are from outside Massachusetts, they must strike out “Massachusetts” under the city name and enter their state of residence.
- Staple together all four pages of this application.
- Staple a current copy of your resume to the end of the application.
- Staple a current business card, if you have one, to the upper left corner of the first page of the application.
- Check the boxes on the cover page that indicate you have completed the application. Enter the date on the cover page, calculate 18 days from that date, and enter it. This is when you should expect to be notified about your commission. Do not contact the Notary Public Office before this date.
Keep the cover page for your records and mail the completed application, resume, and business card (if applicable) with all pages stapled together to the
Notary Public Office, Room 184, State House, Boston, MA 02133.
Do not send any payment with this application. If your application is approved, you will be contacted with instructions on how to remit payment and be sworn in. You may not act as a Massachusetts notary public until you have been sworn in.