GUIDE · UPDATED NOVEMBER 2026
Who Can Notarize a Document?
Notaries are not the only officials who can notarize, and not every notary may notarize every document. Here is who can, who cannot and where to find one.
The short answer
In Massachusetts, a document can be notarized by a notary public commissioned by the Governor. Justices of the peace may also take acknowledgments and administer oaths. Outside Massachusetts, the notarial officers of the other state or country, U.S. consular officers abroad and certain military legal officers can perform notarial acts that Massachusetts recognizes.
Who can notarize
| Official | What they can do |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts notary public | All notarial acts, including acknowledgments, jurats, signature witnessings and copy certifications. Commissions run for seven years. |
| Massachusetts justice of the peace | Take acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments and administer oaths. |
| Attorney | Only if the attorney also holds a notary commission. See Are Lawyers Notaries? |
| U.S. consular officer abroad | Notarial services for documents signed outside the United States. |
| Military legal assistance officers | Notarial acts for service members and eligible family members under federal law (10 U.S.C. §1044a). |
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Who cannot notarize your document
Massachusetts law disqualifies a notary from acting when:
- The notary is a party to the document or is named in it.
- The notary has a financial interest in the subject of the document.
- The notary is the signer’s spouse, domestic partner, parent, guardian, child or sibling, including in-law, step and half relatives.
- The document is blank or incomplete.
A notary also cannot notarize their own signature, and will decline if the signer cannot be identified or does not appear to understand what they are signing.
Where to find a notary
- Banks and credit unions often notarize for their own customers, usually during branch hours.
- Shipping and copy stores may have a notary on duty, though availability varies.
- Law offices often have a notary on staff for their clients.
- A mobile notary comes to you at home, at work, at a hotel or in a hospital, including evenings and weekends. See What Is a Mobile Notary?
Massachusetts has authorized remote online notarization, but it is not yet available, so plan for an in-person signing.
What to bring
- A current government-issued photo ID with your signature.
- The complete document, unsigned unless it calls for an acknowledgment.
- Any witnesses the document requires. See Can a Notary Be a Witness?
Good to know
Notary public
Commissioned by the Governor for seven years.
Justice of the peace
Acknowledgments and oaths.
Attorneys
Only with a notary commission.
Disqualified
Parties, relatives and anyone with an interest.
Official sources
- M.G.L. c. 183, §30: who may take acknowledgments
- M.G.L. c. 222, §16: when a notary may not act
- 10 U.S.C. §1044a: military notarial authority
This guide is general information about Massachusetts and federal requirements. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Who can notarize a document in Massachusetts?
A commissioned notary public. Justices of the peace may also take acknowledgments and administer oaths.
Can a lawyer notarize a document?
Only if the attorney holds a notary commission. A law license alone does not include notary authority.
Can a notary notarize a document for a family member?
Not in Massachusetts for a spouse, domestic partner, parent, guardian, child or sibling, including in-law, step and half relatives.
Can I notarize my own document?
No. A notary cannot notarize their own signature or a document in which they are named or have a financial interest.
Where can I get something notarized near me?
Banks, shipping stores and law offices often have notaries. A mobile notary will come to your location at a time that suits you.
Can documents be notarized online in Massachusetts?
Remote online notarization has been authorized in Massachusetts but is not yet available, so plan for an in-person signing.
Need a document notarized?
Tell us the document, the signers and where you are, and we will come to you.