What if I need to have something notarized?

Sometimes you need to get a document "notarized".

Getting a document notarized means:

1. you sign the document in front of a notary public,
2. that you have shown the notary proof of who you are, and
3. you are signing voluntarily.

Important

• A notary public is not same thing as the Spanish “notario”.
• A notary public is not a lawyer.
• It is against the law for a notary public to give legal advice.

How do I find a notary?

You can find a notary public in:

• city and town clerks’ offices, 
• courts,
• local banks,
• real estate, insurance or law offices,
• travel agencies,
• at your local drug store or pharmacy, or
• in the phonebook.

You do not have to be a client of the bank or office to use a notary public. ¹

What do I need to give to the notary?

• The documents you need notarized, and
• Proof of your identity.

Only sign the documents when the notary tells you to.

The notary needs to check:

• your identity, and  
• that you are signing the document of your own free will.

For proof of identity, you can use a Massachusetts I.D. card, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo I.D.

How much does it cost?

It costs $1.25 to have a document notarized.

Notaries may charge no more than $1.25 for each signature.²

What if the notary says it costs more?

A notary should not charge more than $1.25 for a signature. If a notary says it costs more, call the Governor's Legal Counsel, 617-725-4030.

Note

A notary can witness Massachusetts or out-of-state documents. But you and the notary must both be in Massachusetts when they notarize your document.