To perform notarial acts, a notary public must hold a valid commission issued by the Massachusetts Secretary of State. This commission is essential for legally performing notarial duties.
If a Massachusetts notary changes their address or name, they must notify the Secretary of State in writing. This ensures that their records remain current and accurate.
If a notary’s seal is damaged or lost, the notary must notify the Secretary of State and obtain a replacement seal. Continuing to perform notarial acts with a damaged or lost seal could compromise the validity of the notarizations.
An employee ID from a local company is not a valid form of identification for notarization purposes. Acceptable forms of ID include a U.S. Passport, state-issued driver’s license, and military ID, as these are generally recognized as reliable proofs of identity.
Massachusetts law allows notaries public to charge a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act, including acknowledgments. This fee is set by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 262, Section 41.
