A Massachusetts notary acknowledgment form is a legal document that verifies a signature. The notary public witnesses the signature to confirm the signer’s identity and willingness to sign.
The form includes details such as location, date, and signer’s name, along with the notary’s signature and seal. These forms are notarial certificates attached to legal documents.
Legal Considerations
Statute: § 222:15
Form of Acknowledgment: Includes the date of acknowledgment, the name of the document signer, a statement of satisfactory evidence of identification, a statement of voluntary signing, and the official signature and seal of the notary public. (MGL ch. 222, § 15)
Notary Term of Commission: Seven years. (MGL ch. 222, § 14)
Notary Handbook: The State Bookstore Catalog offers the Notary Journal, which includes all rules and regulations for notary publics.
Is Online Notarization Legal in Massachusetts?
No, online notarization is not legal in Massachusetts, but notarial acts performed by notaries from other states are recognized.
Remote online notarization has been authorized by Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, which will become effective on January 1, 2024, subject to the implementation of regulations by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The Land Court will provide further guidance about accepting registered land documents notarized under the new remote online procedures after the Secretary of the Commonwealth establishes the new protocols, approvals, rules, and regulations. (Memo re: Repeal of Electronic Notarization as Authorized by Section 12 of Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022)
How to Notarize
Step 1 – Find a Notary Public Near You
You can find a notary public at various locations, including banks, UPS stores, private notary services, courts and law offices, and city and town halls.
Step 2 – Make an Appointment
Once you have identified the location and notary public, make an appointment to meet them in person at the agreed time and location. Make sure to confirm their availability and any other requirements they may have.
Step 3 – Show Your ID
Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to identify yourself to the notary. This is a mandatory requirement for the notarization process.
Step 4 – Sign the Document
Sign the document in the notary’s presence if it has not been signed already. The notary public will witness your signature and acknowledge it.
Step 5 – Notary Public Completes the Process
The notary public will fill out, sign, and provide their seal on the notary acknowledgment form.
How to Verify a Notary
In Massachusetts, there is currently no online notary verification service available. To obtain information about a notary public, you can contact the Public Records Division within the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office.
Alternatively, you can check with the county clerk’s office to see if they can provide details about notaries commissioned by them. It’s crucial to verify the notary’s commission status before proceeding with any notarization.
How to Write (for Notary)
- Download a Massachusetts notary acknowledgment form in PDF or Word.
- Write the name of the county where the acknowledgment is being made in the designated space.
- Enter the date that the acknowledgment is being made in the space provided.
- Write your name as the notary public in the designated area.
- Enter the name of the person signing the document being acknowledged in the designated space.
- Write down the type of identification the person presented to you to prove their identity in the designated area.
- Fill in the blank space(s) where appropriate to indicate what kind of document you are witnessing.
- Sign the form in the space provided for the notary’s signature using your legal signature.
- Stamp the form with your notary seal in the designated area.
