ONLINE/VIRTUAL & WALK-IN APPOINTMENTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
What are the ID requirements? Can I use an Expired id?
All IDs must be VALID and CURRENT original government issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license issued by Mass DMV, original U.S. passport or identification card). A notary may not use an expired driver's license to establish the identity of a signer to provide notary services. Copies and expired IDs will not be accepted.
Per the State of MA: “Satisfactory evidence of identity”, identification of an individual based on:
(i) at least 1 current document issued by a federal or state government agency bearing the photographic image of the individual’s face and signature;
(ii) the oath or affirmation of a credible witness unaffected by the document or transaction who is personally known to the notary public and who personally knows the individual; or
(iii) identification of an individual based on the notary public’s personal knowledge of the identity of the principal; provided, however, that for a person who is not a United States citizen, “satisfactory evidence of identity” shall mean identification of an individual based on a valid passport or other government-issued document evidencing the individual’s nationality or residence and which bears a photographic image of the individual’s face and signature.
Please note that all documents must:
Unacceptable ID includes, but are not limited to, birth certificates, Social Security cards, credit cards and driver's licenses without photographs.
- State-issued driver's license
- State-issued identification card
- U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Military ID
- Foreign passport with appropriate visa stamps
- ID card issued by the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). The most common is the resident alien ID, or "green card".
- For a non-US citizen, "satisfactory evidence of identity" is defined as a passport or government issued ID with the person's nationality or residence, photograph, and signature
- Driver's license or non-driver's ID from a foreign country
Per the State of MA: “Satisfactory evidence of identity”, identification of an individual based on:
(i) at least 1 current document issued by a federal or state government agency bearing the photographic image of the individual’s face and signature;
(ii) the oath or affirmation of a credible witness unaffected by the document or transaction who is personally known to the notary public and who personally knows the individual; or
(iii) identification of an individual based on the notary public’s personal knowledge of the identity of the principal; provided, however, that for a person who is not a United States citizen, “satisfactory evidence of identity” shall mean identification of an individual based on a valid passport or other government-issued document evidencing the individual’s nationality or residence and which bears a photographic image of the individual’s face and signature.
Please note that all documents must:
- Be current
- Be issued by a federal or state agency
- Contain the bearer's photograph and signature
Unacceptable ID includes, but are not limited to, birth certificates, Social Security cards, credit cards and driver's licenses without photographs.
- For more information on renewing a license or ID for an elderly family member, please CLICK HERE.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Cash is preferred. However we also accept all major credit cards via PayPal (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) Venmo and mobile payments.
How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?
To re-schedule or cancel an appointment you have made through our online booking system, please use the appropriate link provided in your original confirmation e-mail. The links are located towards the bottom right on the confirmation. Please check your spam folder if you do not see it. This email was sent immediately to the provided email after booking your appointment online. Alternatively, you may call or text our office.
Should documents be signed prior to appointment?
Please complete all forms except signatures and areas to be notarized which may need to be signed in the presence of the notary. If document is signed without a Notary present, we may be unable to notarize your document. All signing parties must be present for notarization to take place, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Do you provide fax, Scan and/or e-mail services?
We are able to fax, scan and email your documents after notarization has been completed for an additional fee.
*We do not provide fax only services.
*We do not provide fax only services.
Will I be charged if a Notary arrives and signing does not take place?
Yes, unless by mutual agreement. Travel fees are non-refundable and due even if notarization does not take place for unforeseen circumstance (i.e. expired ID, unwillingness to sign, etc.). Minimum travel fee is $20. Reduced travel fee will apply to future mobile appointment.
How Do I schedule AN appointment?
Please schedule your appointment online here. You will receive an email confirmation, along with a text confirmation before your appointment.
What is a Mobile Notary?
A Mobile Notary Public is a commissioned Notary who is willing to travel to your designated location to perform notarial acts. Should you be in need of having a document(s) notarized, all you have to do is schedule an appointment with us and we will contact you to set up an appointment.
A mobile Notary Public will travel to meet you anywhere, whether it be at a local Dunkin Donuts, your home, office, hospital, realtors office, title company, public library, police station, nursing home, etc., at a time convenient to you. Just fill out the form here and a we will call or email you to make arrangements.
A mobile Notary Public will travel to meet you anywhere, whether it be at a local Dunkin Donuts, your home, office, hospital, realtors office, title company, public library, police station, nursing home, etc., at a time convenient to you. Just fill out the form here and a we will call or email you to make arrangements.
What kind of forms need to be Notarized?
Power of Attorney, Travel Permission Letter, Divorce Paperwork, Separation Agreements, Health Care Proxy, Will,
Bank Documents, Property Deeds, Motor Vehicle Documents, Applications, Passport , Certified Copy, Contracts, Bill of Sale, Subpoena, Work Visa, School Transcripts, Affidavits, Witness Statements, Depositions, Apostils, Trusts, Deeds, Quit Claim Deed, 14 Day Notice to Quit, Eviction Notices, Notice of Trespass, etc.
Bank Documents, Property Deeds, Motor Vehicle Documents, Applications, Passport , Certified Copy, Contracts, Bill of Sale, Subpoena, Work Visa, School Transcripts, Affidavits, Witness Statements, Depositions, Apostils, Trusts, Deeds, Quit Claim Deed, 14 Day Notice to Quit, Eviction Notices, Notice of Trespass, etc.
Can you notarize a photograph?
For individuals needing a photograph notarized, a Notary Public may not certify nor authenticate a photograph. However, a Notary Public may notarize a statement by the principal regarding the photograph. That notarization does not authenticate or certify the photograph, it only verifies that the individual making the statement signed the statement.
Rules & Regulations
MGL Section 15. (a) A notary public may perform the following notarial acts: (i) acknowledgments; (ii) oaths and affirmations; (iii) jurats; (iv) signature witnessings; (v) copy certifications; (vi) issuing summonses for witnesses pursuant to section 1 of chapter 233; (vii) issuing subpoenas; and (viii) witnessing the opening of a bank safe, vault or box pursuant to section 32 of chapter 167.
1). Notaries will examine ALL documents provided in need of Notarization. There must be NO alterations to the document. There must be NO blank lines unfilled, and, if there are blank lines, they must be crossed out and initialed by the party who is providing said signature.
2). We ALWAYS will ask for proper government issued identification from ALL parties who need to sign the document in question. We accept Passports, State ID's, and Driver's Licenses. We DO NOT ACCEPT credit cards, healthcare cards, retirement ID's, workplace ID's, or any other non-government forms of identification as a PRIMARY ID. Without ID, we will not notarize your document.
3). The Notary will determine and verify the competency and willingness of all parties signing said document(s). No documents will be signed under duress or by force.
4). The Notary will be sure all document signers appear IN PERSON. If all parties in need of signature notarization cannot be present, the document(s) will not be notarized and services will not be rendered.
5). The Notary will sign his/her name to all areas that are required, and the document date(s) shall not be later than the date of said notarization.
6). The Notary will keep a written record of EVERY notary appointment, and sometimes copies of proper Government-Issued ID will be taken for the record.
7). Laws vary by state and some documents may require witnesses in addition to the notarization. In some cases, a notary public might not be legally allowed to also, simultaneously, act as a signature witness. Accordingly, we may not provide additional signature witnessing services without an appointment. Check with us if you wish to inquire as to the availability of signature witnesses, if such a requirement is mandated by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.Statement & DisclaimerBy using our services, you, the client, hereby expressly agree to the below terms and conditions (the statement & disclaimer):
We will not accept documents that are signed prior to your arrival, even if you have made an appointment AND paid for said appointment. We will not provide notarization at any time without proper Identification. We do not issue refunds for services rendered. Please read the rules as stipulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as written on their website for more questions by clicking the button below.
We will NEVER discriminate and/or refuse service for reasons based upon: sexual orientation, political views, race, nationality, gender, or creed. In addition, we will NEVER notarize and are bound by law to recuse ourselves and refuse service to notarize any and all documents of which we may hold a personal or business interest.
MGL Section 17. (a) A notary public shall not advise clients, offer legal advice or represent or advertise the notary public as a legal specialist or consultant unless the notary public is an attorney licensed to practice law in the commonwealth. A notary public shall not state or imply in any communication that the notary public can or will obtain special favors from or has special influence with a government agency. A notary public who is not licensed to practice law in the commonwealth shall not make a literal translation of the notary public's status as ''licensed'' or as a ''notary public'' into a language other than English without regard to the true meaning of the word or phrase in that language or use any other term that implies that the notary public is an attorney so licensed, in any document, including an advertisement, stationery, letterhead, business card or other written or broadcast material describing the notary public or the notary public's services.
MGL Section 23. Notwithstanding section 41 of chapter 262, no fee shall be charged by a notary public to notarize a signature on an absentee ballot identification envelope or other voting materials or on any application or claim by a United States military veteran for a pension, allotment, allowance, compensation, insurance or other veterans' benefit.
1). Notaries will examine ALL documents provided in need of Notarization. There must be NO alterations to the document. There must be NO blank lines unfilled, and, if there are blank lines, they must be crossed out and initialed by the party who is providing said signature.
2). We ALWAYS will ask for proper government issued identification from ALL parties who need to sign the document in question. We accept Passports, State ID's, and Driver's Licenses. We DO NOT ACCEPT credit cards, healthcare cards, retirement ID's, workplace ID's, or any other non-government forms of identification as a PRIMARY ID. Without ID, we will not notarize your document.
3). The Notary will determine and verify the competency and willingness of all parties signing said document(s). No documents will be signed under duress or by force.
4). The Notary will be sure all document signers appear IN PERSON. If all parties in need of signature notarization cannot be present, the document(s) will not be notarized and services will not be rendered.
5). The Notary will sign his/her name to all areas that are required, and the document date(s) shall not be later than the date of said notarization.
6). The Notary will keep a written record of EVERY notary appointment, and sometimes copies of proper Government-Issued ID will be taken for the record.
7). Laws vary by state and some documents may require witnesses in addition to the notarization. In some cases, a notary public might not be legally allowed to also, simultaneously, act as a signature witness. Accordingly, we may not provide additional signature witnessing services without an appointment. Check with us if you wish to inquire as to the availability of signature witnesses, if such a requirement is mandated by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.Statement & DisclaimerBy using our services, you, the client, hereby expressly agree to the below terms and conditions (the statement & disclaimer):
We will not accept documents that are signed prior to your arrival, even if you have made an appointment AND paid for said appointment. We will not provide notarization at any time without proper Identification. We do not issue refunds for services rendered. Please read the rules as stipulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as written on their website for more questions by clicking the button below.
We will NEVER discriminate and/or refuse service for reasons based upon: sexual orientation, political views, race, nationality, gender, or creed. In addition, we will NEVER notarize and are bound by law to recuse ourselves and refuse service to notarize any and all documents of which we may hold a personal or business interest.
MGL Section 17. (a) A notary public shall not advise clients, offer legal advice or represent or advertise the notary public as a legal specialist or consultant unless the notary public is an attorney licensed to practice law in the commonwealth. A notary public shall not state or imply in any communication that the notary public can or will obtain special favors from or has special influence with a government agency. A notary public who is not licensed to practice law in the commonwealth shall not make a literal translation of the notary public's status as ''licensed'' or as a ''notary public'' into a language other than English without regard to the true meaning of the word or phrase in that language or use any other term that implies that the notary public is an attorney so licensed, in any document, including an advertisement, stationery, letterhead, business card or other written or broadcast material describing the notary public or the notary public's services.
MGL Section 23. Notwithstanding section 41 of chapter 262, no fee shall be charged by a notary public to notarize a signature on an absentee ballot identification envelope or other voting materials or on any application or claim by a United States military veteran for a pension, allotment, allowance, compensation, insurance or other veterans' benefit.
do you offer walk in appointments?
No. We provide fast, reliable, and professional notary services—but to ensure personalized attention, we operate by appointment only. Please make an appointment here before coming into the office.
Can i bring my child(ren) to the appointment?
Yes, we are a family friendly business!
CAN YOU NOTARIZE DOCUMENTS not in English or for a non-English speaking signer
We are unable to notarize the physical document unless it is entirely in English. If the document is not in English, we will need to attach a separate notarial certificate to the document (provided by us) that is in English. We must be able to communicate with the signer in English in order to proceed with the notarization.
I have a family member who has an expired/no ID, how do I get their document(s) notorized?
Unfortunately, due to State regulations, we are unable to notarize documents when the signer doesn't have a valid and current original USA government issued photo ID. In this case we suggest finding a Notary Public who personally knows you and/or the signer.
Per the State of MA, satisfactory evidence of identity of an individual without a valid and current ID, would be based on either:
Per the State of MA, satisfactory evidence of identity of an individual without a valid and current ID, would be based on either:
- The oath or affirmation of a credible witness unaffected by the document or transaction who is personally known to the notary public and who personally knows the individual OR
- Identification of an individual based on the notary public’s personal knowledge of the identity of the principal
What's the Cost to notarize my estate plan documents?
Full Estate Planning packets may include the following documents:
- Last Will & Testament
- Living Will
- Trusts
- Health Care Proxies
- Powers of Attorney
- Beneficiary Designation
ARE THERE SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR JAIL & HOSPITAL SIGNINGS?
Yes, a minimum fee may apply, ID requirements and waiting times are reviewed in advance.
I need a document apostilled, can you help?
Yes, our local team can facilitate the Notarization and Apostille process of your MA issued document(s) through the Secretary of State office located in Boston Massachusetts, streamlining the authentication process on your behalf. Please see here for additional information.
Do you administer the Offical notary oatH (for new notaries)?
Application: Yes, we are able to notarize your Notary Application and administer the application oath.
Sworn in: No, In Massachusetts, you take the official notary oath after your commission is approved by the Governor's Council. When your application is favorably considered, you will be notified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth who will include with the notification of your appointment the directions for being sworn in.
Sworn in: No, In Massachusetts, you take the official notary oath after your commission is approved by the Governor's Council. When your application is favorably considered, you will be notified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth who will include with the notification of your appointment the directions for being sworn in.
What is a Notary Public?
Massachusetts Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by the Governor to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. These official acts are called notarizations or notarial acts. Notaries are publicly commissioned as "ministerial" officials, meaning that they are expected to follow written rules without the exercise of significant personal discretion, as would be the case with a "judicial" official.
It is the foremost duty of a Notary to screen the signers of particularly sensitive instruments such as property deeds, wills and powers of attorney for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the general importance of the document. Some notarizations also require the Notary to put the signer under oath declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.
Impartiality is the byword of the Notary Public office and the foundation of its public trust. Notaries are duty-bound not to act in situations where they have a personal interest. The public trusts that the Notary's critical screening tasks have not been corrupted by self-interest. And impartiality dictates that a Notary Public never refuse to serve a person due to race, nationality, religion, politics, sexual orientation or status as a non-client.
As official representatives of the state, Notaries Public certify the proper execution of many of the life-changing documents of private citizens, whether those diverse transactions convey real estate, grant powers of attorney, establish a prenuptial agreement, or perform the multitude of other activities that enable our civil society to function.
In this modern era when business transactions between complete strangers are the norm rather than the exception, Notaries Public engender a trust that the critical signed documents we rely on are authentic. Such trust enables the sensitive documents of commerce and law to be exchanged between strangers with full confidence in their reliability.
It is the foremost duty of a Notary to screen the signers of particularly sensitive instruments such as property deeds, wills and powers of attorney for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the general importance of the document. Some notarizations also require the Notary to put the signer under oath declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.
Impartiality is the byword of the Notary Public office and the foundation of its public trust. Notaries are duty-bound not to act in situations where they have a personal interest. The public trusts that the Notary's critical screening tasks have not been corrupted by self-interest. And impartiality dictates that a Notary Public never refuse to serve a person due to race, nationality, religion, politics, sexual orientation or status as a non-client.
As official representatives of the state, Notaries Public certify the proper execution of many of the life-changing documents of private citizens, whether those diverse transactions convey real estate, grant powers of attorney, establish a prenuptial agreement, or perform the multitude of other activities that enable our civil society to function.
In this modern era when business transactions between complete strangers are the norm rather than the exception, Notaries Public engender a trust that the critical signed documents we rely on are authentic. Such trust enables the sensitive documents of commerce and law to be exchanged between strangers with full confidence in their reliability.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
South Shore Notary is not licensed to practice law, prepare documents or provide any legal counsel. South Shore Notary is not an attorney or law firm and does not provide legal advice. The primary role of a Notary is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and legal forms. Each legal matter is unique and specific; South Shore Notary encourages every individual and business to seek guidance from legal counsel concerning their specific legal matter. Nothing on this website is intended nor should it be considered legal advice.
South Shore Notary is not licensed to practice law, prepare documents or provide any legal counsel. South Shore Notary is not an attorney or law firm and does not provide legal advice. The primary role of a Notary is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and legal forms. Each legal matter is unique and specific; South Shore Notary encourages every individual and business to seek guidance from legal counsel concerning their specific legal matter. Nothing on this website is intended nor should it be considered legal advice.
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South Shore Notary
PO Box 108
Rockland, MA 02370
(781) 763-7733
PO Box 108
Rockland, MA 02370
(781) 763-7733
Copyright © 2026
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions