MA Notary Electronic and Remote Online Notarization

Question 1

Does Massachusetts currently authorize remote online notarization (RON)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Massachusetts has enacted laws authorizing remote online notarization

Answer

No, Massachusetts prohibits all remote notarization

Answer

Only for federal government documents

Answer

Only during declared states of emergency

Question 2

In a Massachusetts remote online notarization, how must the signer's identity be verified?

Accepted Answer

Through credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication (KBA), or both, as prescribed by approved RON platforms

Answer

Personal knowledge alone is sufficient

Answer

By mailing a copy of their ID to the notary

Answer

Through a sworn affidavit sent by email

Question 3

Must a Massachusetts remote online notarization session be recorded?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the audio-visual session must be recorded and retained

Answer

No, recording is optional

Answer

Only for real estate transactions

Answer

Only if the signer requests it

Question 4

For how long must a Massachusetts notary retain a remote online notarization recording?

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

3 years

Answer

5 years

Question 5

Can a Massachusetts notary perform a remote online notarization for a signer located in another state?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the notary is a commissioned Massachusetts notary and the RON platform is approved

Answer

No, both parties must be in Massachusetts

Answer

Only if the other state also authorizes RON

Answer

Only for interstate real estate transactions

Question 6

What technology requirement must be met for a Massachusetts remote online notarization?

Accepted Answer

Real-time, two-way audio-visual communication enabling both parties to see and hear each other

Answer

A telephone call is sufficient

Answer

A video recording sent to the notary

Answer

A live text chat with photo ID attached