Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Business
Notary Public Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
1) Persons desiring to take the examination for qualification as a certified public accountant shall apply on a form provided by the Board, or its designated examination administrator.
- 7
The forms are obtainable from the Board's examination administrator's offices.
- 8
(2) In order to sit for the Computer Based Examination (CBT), a candidate must be 18 years of age or older and must qualify for the CBT under the educational requirements of 252 CMR 2.07(2).
- 9
After January 1, 2007, candidates may qualify to sit for the CBT when they have completed 120 of the 150 semester hours (or 180 of the 225 quarter hours) of college or university education from a nationally or regionally accredited institution as required by 252 CMR 2.07(2), where the successful completion of 120 semester hours (or 180 quarter hours) results in obtaining a bachelor's degree.
- 10
The completed 120 semester hours (or 180 of the 225 quarter hours) necessary to sit for the CBT must include 21 semester hours of accounting courses, including coverage in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting, and 9 hours of business courses, including coverage in the areas of business law, finance, and information systems.
- 11
Candidates may sit for the CBT upon completion of the 120 semester hours (or 180 quarter hours) of college or university education
- provided however, that within 90 days of sitting for the CBT the candidate shall provide a certified transcript to the Board or its designated exam administrator demonstrating that they have successfully completed 120 of the 150 required semester hours (or 180 of the 225 quarter hours) of college or university education from a nationally or regionally accredited institution as required by 252 CMR 2.07(2), where the successful completion of 120 semester hours (or 180 quarter hours) results in obtaining a bachelor's degree.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certified public accountant shall apply on a form provided by the Board, or its designated examination administrator
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Public Accountancy • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,170 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites ((2) In order to sit for the Computer Based Examination (CBT), a candidate must be 18 years of age or older and must qualify for the CBT u...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Candidates may sit for the CBT upon completion of the 120 semester hours (or 180 quarter hours) of college or university education; provi...).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Public Accountancy~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $49,170, Notary Publics in Massachusetts earn 2% above the national median of $48,360. Massachusetts ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$49,170Hourly estimate
$23.642% above national median
Difference: +$810
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNotary Public Salary Ranking
#17 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Maryland | $60,470 |
| #2 | California | $57,020 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $55,370 |
| #4 | Hawaii | $54,260 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $53,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
Notary Public licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $49,170 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| New Hampshire | $44,120 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $47,260 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $50,210 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $44,120 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $55,370 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Rhode Island | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Board of Public Accountancy • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 6177271806
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $101,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $61,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $96,580 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $104,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Notary Publics in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.
What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Notary Public licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Notary Public salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Massachusetts is $49,170. Salaries range from $32,870 (10th percentile) to $71,990 (90th percentile).
How does the Notary Public salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Notary Publics in Massachusetts earn 2% above the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $49,170.
How many Notary Publics work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 1,510 Notary Publics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Massachusetts from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Public Accountancy / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/pa/.
How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.