Can I get a document notarized online in Massachusetts?

The law exists, but it isn't usable yet

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 222, § 28 lets "a notary public physically located in the commonwealth" notarize for a remotely located signer using communication technology, with identity proofing, a single real-time session and an audio-visual recording. Before the first remote notarization, the notary must register with the state secretary, show proof of any required training, and use a provider on the secretary's registry. It can't be used for "a record related to the electoral process, or a will, codicil or document purporting to be a will or codicil".¹

The Secretary of the Commonwealth says: "According to a law passed in 2023, notaries public can use online communications platforms to perform their duties. However, they first must complete training and notify our office through an online notification form. The training and notification form aren't yet available, so notaries shouldn't use online remote platforms at this time." The office says draft rules will be released for public comment.² The Trial Court Law Libraries quote the same notice.³

That settles the conflict we flagged earlier: the National Notary Association's "RON has been enacted but cannot yet be performed" is right, and Proof's page describes the statute rather than current practice.⁸⁴

Can you still get notarized online from Massachusetts?

Usually yes, by using an online notary commissioned in a state that allows RON. What matters legally is the notary's commission state and where the notary sits, not where you are: Texas law lets a Texas online notary notarize "regardless of whether the principal is physically located in this state", and Florida's law says the same for Florida online notaries.⁵⁶ Platforms such as BlueNotary, Notarize, OneNotary and NotaryLive route you to notaries commissioned in states like these.

Proof summarizes Massachusetts law as recognizing notarial acts performed by notaries of other states (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 183, §§ 30 and 41).⁴

The person receiving your document still decides. A bank, court, agency or county office can insist on a particular kind of notarization, so ask them first.⁷

Compare full prices, ID rules and limits on the comparison table, or see the cheapest option for your situation.

When an online notarization may not work in Massachusetts

• Real estate. Deeds are recorded at the county (district) Registry of Deeds, which decides what it will record, and Massachusetts closings are typically handled by a closing attorney. Ask before using an out-of-state online notary.
• Wills. Even once Massachusetts RON is live, the statute excludes wills and codicils.¹
• Recipient rules. Lenders, title companies, courts and government offices can refuse an out-of-state online notarization or ask for a wet-ink original. Ask before you book.⁷
• No physical ID or no US credit history. Most platforms verify you with a live scan of a government photo ID plus a credit-based quiz. See getting notarized online without an SSN.