Is it hard to become a notary in MA?

Asked by: Dr. Cathryn Howell  |  Last update: March 31, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (33 votes)

Is there training or an exam required for Massachusetts Notaries? No training or exam is required for Massachusetts Notaries, but you're required to read Chapter 222 of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2016.

How long does it take to become a notary in Massachusetts?

How long does it take to become a notary in Massachusetts? The process typically takes 4-6 weeks, as applications must go through the Governor's Council and receive approval from the governor.

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.

What type of notaries make the most money?

Specialize in real estate closings

Make money as a notary public by becoming a loan signing agent and specializing in notarizing real estate documents. Loan signings are often more complex and command higher fees.

How much can you charge as a notary in Massachusetts?

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.

How to become a Notary in Massachusetts?

21 related questions found

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.

Is notary a stressful job?

Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.

How to get clients as a notary signing agent?

They recommended the four approaches below:
  1. Advertise through word of mouth.
  2. Referrals from current customers.
  3. Offer discounts to signers.
  4. Always answer phone calls for Notary services.

What are the downsides of being a notary?

The Cons of Being a Notary
  • Steady income can be difficult.
  • You could be sued for a lot of money.
  • Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.

What does a day in the life of a notary look like?

Notaries frequently meet clients at various locations, including offices, homes, and even public places like coffee shops. Each meeting typically involves verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring that all documents are complete and accurate, and witnessing the signing process.

How to list notary on resume with no experience?

Under certificates or licenses

The most common place to list your notary status is in your certificates and licenses section. List your status as noted above, including location and expiration date, and include any additional certificates, such as certified notary signing agent or eNotary.

Is it hard to get business as a notary?

It's not instant and it's not easy. Few Notaries find high-paying and rewarding work when first starting out. A crucial part of getting business is finding and introducing yourself to potential customers. While every Notary's community is different, here are some good places to get started.

Where can I get sworn in as a notary in Massachusetts?

NOTICE:Notary Oath Appointment Information

Oaths are administered by appointment only, at our Boston, Springfield, and Fall River locations. Call ahead to schedule your appointment: Boston: (617) 727-2836. Springfield: (413) 784-1376.

Is there a demand for online notaries?

States such as California and Texas often see higher demand, increasing the potential for new notaries to secure more jobs. With an average of 5-10 notarizations per day, a notary in these states could earn between $125 and $500 daily.

Is being a notary a good side hustle?

A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.

Can I be a notary part time?

It is simple, the start-up cost is fairly low and you can work either part-time or full-time. Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law.

Is notary signing agent a good job?

Becoming a signing agent provides an excellent opportunity for you to achieve your income goals. By working your chosen hours, your loan signing agent salary can be just as much as people who work at an office more than 40 hours per week.

What type of personality does a notary have?

Extraversion: Notaries don't necessarily need to be extraverted, but they do need to be comfortable interacting with people. They must be able to communicate effectively and build trust with their clients. Agreeableness: Notaries need to be approachable and easy to work with.

How do notaries find work?

How to find notary jobs
  • Become approved by your state. ...
  • Look for job openings in your community. ...
  • Advertise your services. ...
  • Tell people you're a notary. ...
  • Attend networking events. ...
  • Post a profile on an official community notary page or website. ...
  • Talk to other notaries.

What is a fun fact about notary?

All roads lead to Rome. Notaries public first developed in the Roman Empire. The word notary comes from the Latin word nota. Nota was a system of short-hand Cicero's clerk, Tullius Tiro, used to transcribe his speeches.

What is the maximum notary fee in Massachusetts?

"The $1.25 fee cap set forth in G. L. c. 262, § 41, applies only to a particular notarial act known as "noting," i.e., a step in the process of protesting a dishonored negotiable instrument." It does not limit the fees for any other act by notaries.

How much does a mobile notary make in Massachusetts?

Mobile Notary Salary in Massachusetts. $67,700 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $79,200 is the 75th percentile.

Where are notaries needed the most?

Banks, Mortgage Lenders, and Other Financial Institutions

As we pointed out, loan and mortgage documents require signature verification. The same goes for other financial agreements as well. That means financial institutions will need notary services on a regular basis.