Massachusetts Authorized Remote Online Notarization. So Why Are Notaries Still Waiting in 2026?
Remote Online Notarization could change how Massachusetts notaries serve clients, but implementation remains incomplete as of September 2026.
I recently logged into Snapdocs and saw something that immediately caught my attention:
Remote Online Notarization opportunities.
Obviously, as a Massachusetts notary, I wanted to know more.
Remote Online Notarization — usually called RON — could completely change how notaries serve clients. Instead of every eligible notarization requiring an in-person meeting, RON can allow a commissioned notary and signer to complete an eligible notarization remotely using approved technology and identity-verification procedures.
There was just one problem.
I can’t participate.
Massachusetts Already Passed a
Remote Online Notarization Law
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 222, Section 28 establishes a framework for commissioned Massachusetts notaries to perform certain notarial acts for remotely located individuals using communication technology.
The law addresses requirements involving identity verification, audio-video communication, electronic records, recordings and record retention.
It also requires a notary to notify the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth before performing their first remote notarization and identify the communication technology they intend to use.
The law also gives the Secretary responsibilities involving standards for communication technology and identity proofing.
So naturally, my next question was:
Okay… where do I sign up?
And that’s where this gets frustrating.
Massachusetts Is Still Telling Notaries to Wait
As of September 29, 2026, the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Remote Online Notarization page says notaries must complete required training and notify the office through an online notification form before performing remote notarizations.
But according to the Secretary’s current guidance, the training and online notification form are not yet available.
The state’s current guidance says Massachusetts notaries should not use remote online notarization platforms at this time.
So we’re in a pretty strange situation.
The law exists.
The framework exists.
Technology exists.
RON platforms exist.
Notaries are interested.
But Massachusetts notaries still don’t have the completed state process necessary to actually get started.
Meanwhile, RON Platforms Are Moving Forward
This became especially noticeable to me because of Snapdocs.
Snapdocs has been expanding its Remote Online Notarization platform and has an onboarding process for eligible RON notaries.
Its onboarding materials describe steps involving account activation, RON training, credentials, a digital certificate and other requirements before an eligible notary can begin working through the platform.
That’s exciting.
Until you’re commissioned in Massachusetts.
Snapdocs’ current RON guidance specifically lists Massachusetts among the states it does not support for RON signings.
So I’m literally watching this new part of the notary industry develop while being unable to participate as a Massachusetts-commissioned notary.
And that made me start asking questions.
So… What’s Taking So Long?
Massachusetts didn’t simply pass a law saying:
“RON is legal now. Good luck.”
The law requires an implementation structure.
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s current RON information says the office issued a Request for Information to Remote Online Notarization technology platforms and received responses in April 2024.
The office says it has been reviewing those responses as part of developing rules and regulations.
The Secretary’s office also says it is working on the online notification form Massachusetts notaries will eventually need to use.
Those are real implementation steps.
But from the perspective of a commissioned Massachusetts notary in September 2026, the practical result remains:
I still can’t complete the process required to become operational as a Massachusetts remote online notary.
And I’m definitely not the only Massachusetts notary who would like to know when that’s going to change
What Are Massachusetts Notaries Still Waiting For?
Massachusetts notaries need a clear, usable path from:
“I’m a commissioned Massachusetts notary.”
to:
“I’m authorized and properly registered to perform Remote Online Notarization.”
That means the remaining implementation pieces need to become operational, including the notification process, applicable training requirements, technology standards and whatever provider-approval process is required under Massachusetts rules.
Until those pieces are actually available, simply finding a company that offers RON technology doesn’t solve the problem.
A private platform can’t replace Massachusetts’ requirements.
And This Actually Matters
This isn’t only about giving notaries another way to make money.
It’s also about accessibility.
Some people have mobility limitations.
Some people don’t drive.
Some people live far from an available notary.
Some are traveling.
Some work unusual hours.
Some are dealing with circumstances where coordinating an in-person appointment is difficult.
Mobile notaries already solve part of that problem by traveling directly to clients.
Remote Online Notarization could provide another option for eligible transactions when Massachusetts law allows it.
And Massachusetts has already created the legal framework for that option.
That’s exactly why the continued implementation delay deserves attention.
I’m a Massachusetts Notary Waiting Too
I’m not writing this as someone watching the notary industry from the outside.
I’m a commissioned Massachusetts notary.
I operate EmilesGroup LLC and provide mobile notary services in Franklin and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
So when I log into a platform like Snapdocs and see RON opportunities developing that I can’t access as a Massachusetts notary, I have the exact same question other notaries probably have:
When are Massachusetts notaries actually going to be able to use the Remote Online Notarization framework Massachusetts already passed?
And no, I don’t think the solution is for Massachusetts notaries to start performing remote notarizations anyway.
Quite the opposite.
Notaries should be able to follow a clear process, complete whatever training Massachusetts requires, register properly, use compliant technology and know they’re doing everything correctly.
We need implementation and clarity — not shortcuts.
What Should Massachusetts Notaries Do Right Now?
For now, Massachusetts notaries should follow the current guidance from the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
That means not beginning Remote Online Notarization simply because a private platform offers the technology.
Instead, keep an eye on the Secretary’s official Remote Online Notarization information for changes involving:
RON training
The online notification process
Technology requirements
Approved or compliant providers
Rules and regulations
Other implementation announcements
And I think Massachusetts notaries should keep asking reasonable questions:
When will the training become available?
When will the notification form open?
When will technology standards and provider requirements be finalized?
What exactly remains before a commissioned Massachusetts notary can complete the process and begin performing RON?
Those aren’t unreasonable questions.
They’re the natural questions that come from having a Remote Online Notarization law on the books while the process needed to use it still isn’t fully operational.
I’ll Keep Updating This
Because this situation can change, I’m going to update this article as Massachusetts releases new RON guidance, training, registration information, regulations or technology requirements.
If you’re a Massachusetts notary waiting for RON too, bookmark this page and check back.
Hopefully, one of these updates will eventually be:
Massachusetts RON is finally operational.
Until then, we’re waiting.
Official Resources & Further Reading
Current Massachusetts implementation information
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth — Remote Online Notarization
Massachusetts’ Remote Online Notarization statute
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 222, Section 28
Information about Snapdocs RON eligibility and availability:
Snapdocs — RON FAQ for Notaries
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Remote Online Notarization laws, regulations, technology requirements and implementation guidance can change. Notaries and consumers should verify current requirements directly with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
