Massachusetts Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Massachusetts is a certificate completed by a MA-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Massachusetts law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Massachusetts notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Massachusetts notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all MA notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
7 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Massachusetts Acknowledgment Wording
Massachusetts law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Massachusetts county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Massachusetts Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Massachusetts's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared _______________, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which were _______________, to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that (he/she) signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared _______________, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification to be the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and acknowledged to me that (he/she) signed the preceding or attached document in said capacity on behalf of said entity voluntarily for its stated purpose.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared _______________ and _______________, each proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification to be the persons whose names are signed on the preceding or attached document, and each acknowledged to me that they signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Massachusetts Notary Requirements
Massachusetts has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Massachusetts notary commissions are valid for 7 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: No bond is required for Massachusetts notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Massachusetts
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Massachusetts
- Seal/Stamp: Massachusetts notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Massachusetts must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by MA law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Massachusetts Notary Fees
Massachusetts regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Massachusetts.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Massachusetts Identification Requirements
Massachusetts notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Massachusetts.
Sample Massachusetts Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Massachusetts-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact MA statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Massachusetts
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Massachusetts Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Massachusetts, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Massachusetts Resources
Use these official resources to verify Massachusetts notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Massachusetts Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Massachusetts, or that require MA notarization.
Massachusetts Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Massachusetts Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Massachusetts Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Massachusetts Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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