Remote Online Notarization in Massachusetts

As we adapt to the new norm brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more processes are shifting online to limit person-to-person contact. One of these processes is notarization, and Massachusetts is one of the states that have authorized remote online notarization (RON) to be conducted. In this article, we will explore what RON is, its benefits, how to find a remote online notary, and the requirements and preparations needed for remote online notarization in Massachusetts.

What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

RON is the act of notarizing a document via video conferencing technology. Notarize Online. How does it work in Massachusetts? The signers and notary public are in different locations and connect through a secure virtual platform. In Massachusetts, the RON law was signed in 2020 and made effective on September 2, 2020. It allows for notarial acts to be performed using communication technology and requires electronic notarization technology to be utilized. Notarizations can be conducted over video conferencing platforms based on remote online notarizations (RON) or remote ink-signed notarizations (RIN). Massachusetts notaries are also given the option to perform notarial acts in person, remotely, or both. A new bill passed by Governor Maura Healey on March 29, 2023. MA House Bill 58 part of the supplemental budget bill was passed and will begin a new era to 24/7 On Demand remote online notarization to take place permanently on January 1st, 2024. Massachusetts will become the 43rd state to allow online Notarization. Once the law takes into effect the Secretary of State's office in Massachusetts will provide directives on what is allowed to be notarized electronically.

What documents can be notarized remotely?

Most documents that require notarization can be notarized remotely, with some exceptions such as wills, trusts, and documents related to court proceedings. The Massachusetts Secretary of Commonwealth website provides a comprehensive list of documents that can and cannot be notarized remotely.

Is remote online notarization legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, remote online notarization is legal in Massachusetts. The RON law of Massachusetts is set to expire on December 1, 2021, but it is expected to be amended and extended for another period until 2023 or 2024. The New MA House Bill 58 created provisions for both in-person electronic and remote online notarization and effective January 2024. The Notary Public will need to use a platform allowed by the State of Massachusetts and include visual and audio and two forms of identification requirements.

Benefits of Remote Online Notarization in Massachusetts

One of the main benefits of remote online notarization is convenience. With the online option, the signer can have their documents notarized from anywhere, regardless of the notary’s location. This eliminates the need for the signer to travel to the notary’s office, saving both time and money.

Time-Saving

Remote online notarization also saves time. Signers no longer need to schedule appointments during office hours to get their documents notarized when they perform remote.

Cost-Effective

Since remote online notarization is done online, it also helps save money. The signer no longer has to pay for travel expenses, parking fees, and other related expenses to get documents notarized.

How to Find a Remote Online Notary in Massachusetts?

One way to find a remote notarization is to use a remote online notary service platform like Boston Notary Service the number one helpful provider for the searching Using a Remote Online Notary Platform Service. These platforms allow the signer to connect with a notary public from anywhere in the world and have their documents notarized online such as real estate transactions, acknowledgment,  or any documents law allowing.

Mobile Notaries

Another option is to use mobile notaries wet ink signature service.   Mobile notaries are licensed and trained professionals who travel to the client's desired location to assist with document signings and notarizations. This service is particularly helpful for individuals who require notarizations but do not have the means to travel to a notary's location or may not have access to transportation. Mobile notaries can meet clients at their home, office, or any other location of their choice, making notarization a convenient and feasible option. Additionally, mobile notaries are available outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, providing greater flexibility to clients with busy schedules. Overall, mobile notaries offer a convenient and efficient option for individuals and businesses seeking notarization services. Boston Mobile notaries are licensed notaries who provide notary services at a location of the client’s convenience. Boston Notary Service covers Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Natick, Framingham, Braintree, Weymouth, Cape Cod, Wellesley, Brookline, Randolph, Quincy, Somerville, Needham, Milton, Medford, Andover, Waltham, Malden, Burlington, Woburn, Arlington,  Brockton, Colleges & Universities, Businesses and all of Massachusetts by request. They can be found through online directories, Google or Bing Search engine, or their user-friendly website www.bostonnotaryservice.us for general information or to book and get your signed documents notarized.

Commissioned Notary Publics

The third option is to use commissioned notary publics. Commissioned notary publics can perform both in-person and remote online notarizations. They are listed in the Massachusetts Notary Public directory and can be found through online directories or by contacting local banks and law offices.

Requirements for Remote Online Notary in Massachusetts

Before notarizing a document remotely, the signer must provide valid identification to the notary public. The identification must be government-issued and contain a photo and a signature. The online notary Massachusetts must use the requirements set by the Secretary of State's office.

Technology Requirements

For remote online notarizations, the signer must have access to a computer, tablet, or mobile device with a camera and microphone. The device must also have a reliable and secure internet connection. The notary public must also have access to a computer or mobile device with a camera and microphone and must use an electronic notarization technology that is compliant with Massachusetts law.

Notary Seal

Notaries are required to affix their seal on each document they notarize remotely. The notary’s seal must include their name, the words “Notary Public,” their commission expiration date, and a unique identification number assigned by the state. A digital seal will take effect and take precedence from traditional notaries seal.

How to Prepare for Remote Online Notarization in Massachusetts?

Ensure Reliable Internet Connection

Since remote online notarization is done over the internet, it is crucial to ensure a reliable and secure internet connection to avoid disruption during the notarization process. Massachusetts online Notary will also need to have a digital platform to conduct service in compliance with the State to sign a document online.

Make Sure you have the Required Documents

Make sure to have all the required documents ready before the notarization process. The notary public will need to review the document and verify if they can be notarized remotely per notary laws. The Notary will be responsible for adhering to remote notarizations laws in Massachusetts.

Inform the Notary Public about Specific Requirements

Before the notarization process, inform the notary public about any specific requirements or circumstances related to the document or the signing process.

Remote online notarizations have made notarizing documents easier and more convenient than ever before. This allows signers to appear remote. Massachusetts residents will be able to get their documents notarized from the comfort of their homes or offices. With the  Massachusetts RON law passing and beginning in Janurary 2024, online notarization in Massachusetts is here to stay. Contact Boston Notary Service at [email protected] or 617.230.6676 & get your documents notarized by a mobile notary or digitally.