By Hanson Webb · Licensed MA Notary · Updated April 28, 2026I Lost My Notarized Document in Massachusetts: How to Replace It
Losing a notarized document feels worse than losing other paperwork because the notarization itself involved time and care. The path to replacement depends on what kind of document you lost and where the original was filed. Most situations resolve within hours or a few days.
Replacement Paths by Document Type
Real Estate Documents
Deeds, mortgages, lien releases recorded at MA Registry of Deeds.
Replacement: Certified copy from Registry, 1-5 days, ~$5/page.
Court-Filed Documents
Affidavits filed with Probate Court, court orders, divorce decrees.
Replacement: Certified copy from clerk, 1-3 days.
Birth, Marriage, Death
Records issued by MA Town Clerk or Registry of Vital Records.
Replacement: Certified copy, 1-7 days, ~$28/copy.
Powers of Attorney
Notarized POAs typically not retained by notary.
Replacement: Re-execute same-day mobile.
Affidavits & Sworn Statements
Single status affidavits, identity affidavits, sworn statements.
Replacement: Re-execute same-day mobile.
Government Records
Federal records like FBI background checks.
Replacement: New copy from federal agency, 4-12 weeks.
Apostilled Documents
Documents previously apostilled at MA SOS or U.S. State Dept.
Replacement: Re-notarize, re-apostille.
Beneficiary Forms
Forms previously notarized and submitted to financial institutions.
Replacement: Request copy from institution, 3-10 days.
Same-Day Recovery for Re-Execution Documents
Mobile notary service across Boston, Cambridge, Lowell, Andover and Worcester completes replacement same-day. Booking by 9 AM means signed by noon.
- Identify the lost document type
- Book mobile notary appointment
- Bring valid government photo ID
- Notary arrives with replacement form template
- Sign and notarize at your home, office or hospital
- For documents needing apostille, take to MA SOS in Boston for new apostille
Re-executed documents carry the new signing date. For date-sensitive documents (single status affidavits with country validity windows, employment letters, time-sensitive POAs), the new date may affect filing deadlines or acceptance abroad.
Will the Notary Have a Copy?
Massachusetts notaries are not legally required to retain copies. Most do not. Re-execution is typically the answer. If you originally engaged an attorney along with the notary, the attorney may have retained a copy in their case file.
Going forward, scan or photograph every notarized document before submitting. Save it to cloud storage with a clear filename. Store the original in a fireproof safe.
Lost a Notarized Document Today?
Same-day mobile notary across Greater Boston, Lowell, Cambridge, Andover and Worcester for replacement signings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I lost a notarized document?
Recovery depends on document type. Recorded real estate from Registry. Court-filed from clerk. Affidavits and POAs typically require re-execution.
Can the notary give me a copy?
Massachusetts notaries are not required to retain copies. Re-execution typically required.
How quickly can I get a replacement?
Recorded 1-5 days. Court 1-3 days. Re-executed notarized same-day with mobile notary.
Will replacement have the same date?
Re-executed documents carry the new signing date.
What about lost apostille documents?
Re-notarize and re-apostille. Massachusetts SOS does not issue duplicates.
