Become a Massachusetts Notary
A clear starting point for your Massachusetts notary journey. Learn the state’s application steps, follow the official instructions, and explore professional connections with Boston Notary Service once you are commissioned.
Your commission at a glance
Minimum age: 18. You must live or work in Massachusetts.
Application: a current résumé and four community reference signatures; the state form requires one reference to be a member of the bar in good standing.
State commission fee: $60 after approval, as directed in your appointment notice.
Commission term: seven years unless ended earlier.
Boston Notary Service is an independent private business. The Commonwealth reviews applications and appoints notaries; eligibility does not guarantee appointment.
01 · Review the official requirements
Begin with the Commonwealth’s current application and instructions. Read Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 222 and agree to comply with the law. The state—not BNS—answers questions about application status and appointment decisions.
02 · Prepare your application materials
Complete every section carefully. Include your current résumé and obtain the four references required by the application, including the attorney reference. Follow the current form’s instructions for signatures, notarization and attachments. Keep a complete copy for your records.
03 · Submit for state review
Mail the completed application package to the office specified in the current instructions. Do not include the $60 commission fee with your initial application. Allow time for review and use the state’s official contact information for status questions.
04 · Complete the appointment steps
If approved, follow the notice you receive for the oath, qualification and commission payment. Complete those steps before offering notarial services. Review your commission details and expiration date, then prepare the seal, journal and procedures required for the acts you will perform.
Build a practice around public trust
Before accepting assignments, understand identification, personal appearance, willingness, notarial certificates, conflicts and recordkeeping requirements. A commission does not authorize legal advice. Refer document wording and the selection of legal forms to the signer’s attorney or receiving institution.
A notary commission and professional specialties are separate matters. Training, insurance, background screening and client-specific qualifications may be relevant to signing or field assignments. A commission alone does not establish those qualifications.
Your next connection: the BNS Provider Network
Already commissioned? Introduce your services to Boston Notary Service’s Professional Provider Network. We welcome independent notaries, signing agents, document couriers and field specialists.
Describe your service area and travel availability.
Share your services, experience and specialties.
Explain your usual availability and relevant credentials.
Applications are reviewed individually. Submission does not guarantee acceptance, assignments, referrals or income. Credentials and assignment terms are reviewed separately where applicable.
The full provider application is on the dedicated network page. If you are still applying for your commission, bookmark this guide and return when you are ready.
Before you begin
Does Boston Notary Service issue notary commissions?
No. Submit commission applications to the Commonwealth using its official instructions. BNS provides this educational guide and separately reviews provider-network interest.
Do I pay the commission fee when I apply?
The state’s application guidance says the $60 commission fee is due after approval. Follow the payment instructions in your appointment notice.
Can I explore the network before becoming a notary?
Yes. Read about the network now. Return once commissioned to describe your notary services. Couriers and other field specialists can describe their separate services through the same provider-interest process.
Does joining the network guarantee work?
No. Acceptance and assignments depend on review, coverage, qualifications and the needs of each request.
Keep exploring
Educational information, not legal advice. Official state instructions and applicable law control. Application guidance reviewed November 10, 2026; confirm the latest state requirements before applying.
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