Where to Find a Notary Public in Massachusetts

Where to Find a Notary Public in Massachusetts

Notaries public are public servants who perform various duties, such as witnessing the signing of important documents. There are more than 100,000 notaries public in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Some common places to look for a notary who can sign an affidavit are⁚

• City and town halls
• Courts
• Banks
• Law offices
• Insurance companies
• Drug stores and pharmacies

You can also find notaries public listed in the phone book.

Additionally, several online services can help you locate a notary in your area.

City and Town Halls

Many city and town halls in Massachusetts offer notary public services to residents. These services are often provided by the town clerk’s office or a designated staff member. Contacting the specific city or town hall you are interested in is advisable to confirm their notary services availability and hours of operation. For instance, the Town Clerks office in Waltham, MA provides notary services as a courtesy, available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9⁚00 a.m. to 12⁚00 noon.

Courts

Courthouses in Massachusetts often have notary public services available. These services are typically provided by court clerks or designated staff. It is recommended to contact the specific courthouse you are interested in to confirm their notary services availability, hours of operation, and any potential fees. Courts are a reliable option for obtaining notarization services, particularly for legal documents or affidavits requiring official authentication.

Banks

Many banks in Massachusetts offer notary public services to their customers and the general public. These services are typically provided by bank tellers or designated staff. It is recommended to contact the specific bank branch you are interested in to confirm their notary services availability, hours of operation, and any potential fees. Banks are a convenient option for obtaining notarization services, particularly for individuals who already have an account with the institution.

Law Offices

Law offices in Massachusetts often provide notary public services as part of their legal practice. Attorneys and paralegals in these offices are typically commissioned notaries and can notarize documents for clients and the general public. Contacting the specific law office you are interested in is advisable to confirm their notary services availability, hours of operation, and any potential fees. Law offices are a good option for obtaining notarization services, particularly for legal documents related to their practice.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies in Massachusetts sometimes offer notary public services as a convenience to their clients. These services are typically provided by customer service representatives or designated staff. It is recommended to contact the specific insurance company branch or office you are interested in to confirm their notary services availability, hours of operation, and any potential fees. Insurance companies can be a convenient option for obtaining notarization services, particularly for documents related to insurance policies or claims.

Notary Services Available

Notaries public in Massachusetts can perform various notarial acts, including⁚

Acknowledgment Certificate

An acknowledgment certificate is a notarial act used to verify that a person signing a document is doing so voluntarily and that their signature is genuine. It is commonly used for real estate transactions, powers of attorney, and other legal documents requiring a formal acknowledgment. A notary public witnesses the signature, confirms the signer’s identity, and affixes their official seal and signature to the document.

Jurat

A jurat is a notarial certificate used to attest that a person has sworn to the truthfulness of the contents of a document, typically an affidavit. The signer appears before the notary public, swears to the truthfulness of the statements made in the document, and the notary public affixes their official seal and signature to the document, confirming the oath or affirmation was taken.

Affidavit

An affidavit is a written statement made under oath or affirmation, declaring the truth of certain facts. The person making the affidavit, known as the affiant, signs the document, and a notary public witnesses their signature and administers the oath or affirmation. This notarial act confirms the affiant’s sworn statements are true and accurate. Affidavits are frequently used in legal proceedings, such as court cases or administrative hearings, to provide evidence or testimony.

Online Notary Services

Massachusetts allows for online notarization, enabling individuals to obtain notarial services remotely.

Massachusetts Notaries

The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth maintains a registry of notary publics, which includes a search function to locate notaries by name, city, or county. This online directory allows individuals to find notaries offering online services, making it convenient to obtain notarization services remotely. The website also provides information about the requirements and process for becoming a notary public in Massachusetts. This resource assists individuals in finding a notary for their specific needs, whether in person or online.

National Notary Locator

The National Notary Association (NNA) provides a nationwide notary locator service, which helps individuals find notaries in their area, including those offering online notarization. This service is available on the NNA website and allows users to search for notaries by zip code or state. The NNA also offers resources and information about notary services, including online notarization guidelines and best practices.

Becoming a Notary Public in Massachusetts

Individuals interested in becoming a notary public in Massachusetts must meet specific requirements and complete an application process.

Requirements

To become a notary public in Massachusetts, individuals must meet the following requirements⁚ be at least 18 years old; be a resident of Massachusetts; be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident; and have no criminal record that would disqualify them from serving as a notary. Additionally, applicants must pass a background check and complete a notary education course approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. These requirements ensure that notaries are qualified and trustworthy individuals who can perform their duties responsibly and ethically.

Application Process

To apply for a notary public commission in Massachusetts, individuals must complete an application form, submit it to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and pay a fee. The application form requires personal information, such as name, address, and date of birth. Applicants must also provide proof of residency, citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and completion of the required notary education course. The Secretary of the Commonwealth reviews applications and issues commissions to qualified applicants. The commission is valid for four years and must be renewed before expiration.

Fees

There is a fee associated with applying for a notary public commission in Massachusetts. The fee is payable to the Secretary of the Commonwealth and is subject to change. It is advisable to check the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website for the most up-to-date fee information before submitting an application. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing applications and issuing commissions.