Can you notarize for a family member in Massachusetts?
Asked by: Jevon Kihn PhD | Last update: June 27, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (69 votes)
Not all states permit notarizing for relatives For example, Florida and Massachusetts do not allow notarizing the signatures of a Notary's spouse, parents or children, and Massachusetts extends this prohibition to siblings, domestic partners, half- and step-relatives.
Can a mass notary notarize for family?
While some states, like Florida and New York, allow notaries to notarize for immediate family members under specific conditions, others, such as California and Texas, strictly prohibit it. Notaries must ensure they comply with state-specific regulations and disclose any personal relationships involved.
Can a family member notarize a document for another family member?
There is no restriction on a family member serving as the notary for a family member.
What is the new law for notary in Massachusetts?
Under the new statute, a notary public who desires to conduct remote acknowledgements must register with the Secretary of State and identify the online communication technology they intend to use, and may be to required complete online notarization training.
Can witnesses be family members?
Can a family member (relative) witness a signature? Although there's no specific law that states that a relative can't be a witness, it isn't always the best idea because, ideally, a witness should be a neutral third party. Furthermore, as previously stated, witnesses can't be a beneficiary or party to the document.
How To Notarize For Family Members
Can you use a relative as a witness?
Always choose an independent witness to sign deeds or agreements requiring witnessing. Avoid using minors, relatives, or anyone with a personal stake in the contract. For electronic signatures, ensure compliance with relevant laws and verify identity through reliable methods.
Do witnesses need to be present for notary?
Although the principal signer of the document must be present for the performance of the notarial act, the witnesses would not have to be present. There is one thing to check in this case: if the principal signer and witnesses have written the date next to their signatures, these dates should all be the same.
Can a notary also be a witness in Massachusetts?
The NNA always recommends that in cases in which a document must be witnessed and notarized, the Notary serve as either a witness or Notary, but not both.
How much can notaries charge in Massachusetts?
Updated with corrected answer, 3-15-22. In Massachusetts, there are no set fees (except for protests, an antiquated notarial act that Notaries rarely perform). A Notary may charge any fee they feel is reasonable.
What is a credible witness notary in Massachusetts?
"Credible witness" means an honest, reliable, and impartial person who personally knows an individual appearing before a notary and takes an oath or affirmation from the notary to vouch for that individual's identity.
Can a family member notarize a wedding certificate?
You are not prohibited from notarizing the signature of your niece on her marriage documents.
Can a spouse witness a signature?
Legislation does not prohibit a signatory's spouse, co-habitee or civil partner from acting as a witness and it is also generally acceptable for an employee of a party to witness that party's signature.
Can I notarize for my own business?
As a commissioned notary public, you may perform notarizations for your company if all the proper requirements are met. You may not skip any requirements, and must remain independent in your consideration of the facts and requirements of every notarization.
Can I notarize a family member document?
“In California, a notary public is not prohibited from notarizing for relatives or others, unless doing so would provide a direct financial or beneficial interest to the notary public. With California's community property law, care should be exercised if notarizing for a spouse or a domestic partner.”
Does a will in Massachusetts need to be notarized?
No, in Massachusetts, it is not necessary to notarize your will to make it legal.
Does Massachusetts require a notary seal?
Massachusetts requires a notary stamp. Source: Revised Executive Order No. 455 (04-04) § 5(c). “Notaries must have and use a stamp or seal.
What can notaries not charge for?
Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.
How much does a notary public make in Massachusetts?
How much does a Notary Public make in Massachusetts? As of Jan 20, 2025, the average annual pay for a Notary Public in Massachusetts is $70,744 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $34.01 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,360/week or $5,895/month.
Does Massachusetts allow online notary?
Massachusetts signers can get their documents remotely notarized online with a commissioned notary public using a mobile device or computer webcam.
Can a notary accept an expired ID in Massachusetts?
(Cannot present an expired form of identification) The document(s) CANNOT already have been signed nor dated. All signers must be present at the time of notarizing. If your document requires a witness(s), they must accompany you.
What happens if a notary does not witness signature?
In fact, most state notary laws prohibit a notary from notarizing a signature if the signer is not present. Violating the personal presence requirement may result in monetary loss for the client and lead to a lawsuit against the notary or a claim against the notary's bond.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Can a witness signature be a family member?
There is no rule that says a family member cannot sign as a witness on a document. However, you should have the signer check with your contracting company for instructions regarding the witness requirements. Your contracting company may have business rules regarding who may sign as a witness in this case.
What is the difference between a notary and a witness?
A notary public attests to a document's authenticity by verifying the signatures and identities of people signing legal documents. A witness is a neutral third party who watches you sign a document and then signs it too, confirming your identity and verifying that no forgery occurred.