A Massachusetts Notary Public is a public officer appointed under state law to perform a range of official acts on behalf of the Commonwealth. Notaries serve as impartial witnesses, protect the integrity of legal documents, and carry out duties granted by statute and the Massachusetts Constitution.
A Massachusetts Notary Public is a quasi‑judicial officer because the Commonwealth delegates limited, court‑like powers to the notary. These include administering oaths, taking sworn statements, verifying identity and voluntariness, issuing civil subpoenas, and creating official records relied upon by courts. While not a judge, a notary exercises independent judgment in ways that mirror judicial functions, giving notarial acts their legal authority.
Notaries are commissioned by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Executive Council. Under Article IV of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, a commissioned notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within Massachusetts for a seven‑year term, unless the commission is revoked or the notary resigns.
Chapter 222 of the Massachusetts General Laws sets the rules for Notaries Public in Massachusetts, outlining how notaries are appointed, the acts they may perform, and the standards they must abide by. It defines proper identification, recordkeeping, impartiality, and prohibited conduct—such as preparing documents unless being duly qualified and trained—ensuring all notarial acts in the Commonwealth are performed responsibly and in compliance with state law.
A Massachusetts Notary Public is a quasi‑judicial officer because the Commonwealth delegates limited, court‑like powers to the notary. These include administering oaths, taking sworn statements, verifying identity and voluntariness, issuing civil subpoenas, and creating official records relied upon by courts. While not a judge, a notary exercises independent judgment in ways that mirror judicial functions, giving notarial acts their legal authority.
Notaries are commissioned by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Executive Council. Under Article IV of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, a commissioned notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within Massachusetts for a seven‑year term, unless the commission is revoked or the notary resigns.
Chapter 222 of the Massachusetts General Laws sets the rules for Notaries Public in Massachusetts, outlining how notaries are appointed, the acts they may perform, and the standards they must abide by. It defines proper identification, recordkeeping, impartiality, and prohibited conduct—such as preparing documents unless being duly qualified and trained—ensuring all notarial acts in the Commonwealth are performed responsibly and in compliance with state law.
OFFICIAL DUTIES OF A NOTARY PUBLIC
OFFICIAL DUTY Issue Subpoenas Adjudicatory Proceedings |
||
Issue Witness Summons |
||
Perpetuate Testimony |
||
Take Depositions |
||
Administer Oaths / Affirmations |
||
Jurats & Affidavits |
||
Take Acknowledgments |
||
Witness Signatures |
||
Certify Copies |
||
Witness/Open Bank Safe, Vault, or Box |
------ |
|
Notice of Dishonor / Protests |
------ |
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: We are not the commissioning authority for Massachusetts Notaries Public. Notaries operate under the jurisdiction established by M.G.L. c. 222 § 1A. As commissioned officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, notaries public are required to uphold state law and serve as impartial, official witnesses to designated acts and transactions. In accordance with M.G.L. c. 222 § 17, notaries are prohibited from providing legal advice or guidance regarding any document or transaction unless they are licensed attorneys or are properly trained in the specific field or industry involved.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: We are not the commissioning authority for Massachusetts Notaries Public. Notaries operate under the jurisdiction established by M.G.L. c. 222 § 1A. As commissioned officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, notaries public are required to uphold state law and serve as impartial, official witnesses to designated acts and transactions. In accordance with M.G.L. c. 222 § 17, notaries are prohibited from providing legal advice or guidance regarding any document or transaction unless they are licensed attorneys or are properly trained in the specific field or industry involved.
