An affidavit is based upon either the personal knowledge of the affiant or his or her information and belief. Personal knowledge is the recognition of particular facts by either direct observation or experience. Information and belief is what the affiant feels he or she can state as true, although not based on firsthand knowledge.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an affiant under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
To become a notary in Massachusetts you must complete the application which requires the signatures of four known members of your community. One of the signatures needs to be from an attorney.
This means that the person signing the document or acknowledging his or her earlier signature must appear in person before the notary public and the notary public must ask for and receive satisfactory evidence of identity from the person who signed the document before performing the notarization.
A valid, government-issued photo identification is required of any customer seeking Notary Service. 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.
Additionally, notaries serve seven year terms and the Governor or Governor's Council may choose not to renew a notary's commission if the notary engages in official misconduct or is otherwise not suitable to serve as a notary public.
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. On the application, you'll be required to sign under penalty of perjury that you have read the chapter and agree to comply with all of its terms.
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.
Become a Massachusetts Notary Public Complete the MA notary public application. Get your application endorsed by four character references. Mail your entire completed application to: Notary Public Office Room 184, State House Boston, MA 02133.
What you need. If you wish to become a notary public, you must be at least 18 years old and live or work in the Commonwealth. You must also complete the application, which requires you to obtain 4 signatures of known and respected members of your community.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
