Massachusetts allows remote notarization of documents during the Corvid-19 emergency

Massachusetts is still suffering from Corvid-19 (Coronavirus) and all citizens are suppose to follow social distancing rules.  Businesses are permitted to open but must maintain social distancing and limit the number of people in an office.  People still have the need to execute documents.  Some of these documents need to be signed before a notary public.  Massachusetts government has recognized the need for documents to be signed before a notary public during this emergency by passing a law to allow remote notary witnessing of documents.  This law went into effect immediately upon the Governor signing the law due to the emergency nature.  The law expires three days after the Governor’s declaration of emergency terminates.

This bill has a number of requirements for remote notarization.  The following is a summary of the requirements of the new law:

● Notary must witness signing of document by video and acknowledgment by principal
● Notary and Principal are physically within Massachusetts (Principal swears or affirms this to Notary)
● Principal discloses all other people in the room with Principal
● Principal provides Notary with proof of identity
○ Government issued
○ Photo ID
○ ID displayed on video and then image of front and back emailed or faxed to Notary or sent with document
● Original document sent to Notary by delivery or courier service
● Notary record retention 10 years
● If the document being notarized relates to the title to land the principal and notary must have a second video conference in which the principal verifies that the document received by the notary is the correct document.  A second form of identification is also required.
● When notary affixes notary seal the recital must indicate that the document was remotely acknowledged
● Notary executes an affidavit in which the notary states compliance with all of the requirements under the statute and retains the affidavit for 10 years.
● Certain documents may only be notarized by a notary public who is also a lawyer or a paralegal working under the supervision of a lawyer.

Attorney Alan Pransky is also a notary and can assist people who have a need to have documents signed before a notary public.