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Massachusetts

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Description of Program and Relief

Statutory Authorization of Virtual Notarization During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The State has passed legislation that authorizes notary publics to perform an acknowledgement, affirmation or other notarial using electronic video conferencing in real time during the COVID-19 pandemic if the following requirements are met:

  • The notary must observe execution of the document.

  • All parties must be present and swear or affirm their presence in the commonwealth of Massachusetts.

  • Each principal party must verbally assent to recording, provide evidence of identity during the video conference, and must send a copy of the evidence of identity to the notary, which the notary must retain for 10 years.

  • Each principal party must deliver the executed document to the notary.

  • A second video conference is required to confirm a document if it is part of a mortgage closing.

  • The notary signature must include a recital that the document was notarized remotely.

  • The notary must execute an affidavit that the requirements for remote notarization were met.

Government or Lead Agency

Legislation

Dates Available

The measure was enacted on April 29, 2020 with immediate effect and expires 3 business days after the termination of the March 10, 2020 COVID-19 state of emergency.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Not applicable

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

Not applicable

Contact for More Information

Not applicable

List of Additional Information

For additional details, a link to the text of the legislation (SB.2645) may be found here.


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