Oath Administration
by Notary in Massachusetts
A Massachusetts notary public may administer oaths and affirmations in all cases where one is required — carrying the same legal weight as an oath before a judge or clerk-magistrate. New notary swearing-in, municipal employees, depositions, affidavits, and all sworn statements.
Statutory Authority
M.G.L. c.222 §1A — Exact Language
“Unless otherwise expressly provided, justices of the peace and notaries public may administer oaths or affirmations in all cases in which an oath or affirmation is required and take acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments.”
The Authority to Bind
Someone Under Oath
Under M.G.L. c.222 §1A, a Massachusetts notary public may administer oaths and affirmations in all cases where one is required. That is a broad grant of authority — it means a Massachusetts notary can administer an oath in any context the law demands one, from affidavits and depositions to new notary swearing-in ceremonies and municipal employee oaths of office.
An oath administered by a Massachusetts notary carries the same legal weight as one administered by a judge, a clerk-magistrate, or any other authorized official. A person who knowingly makes a false statement under a notary-administered oath is subject to the same penalties of perjury as if they had sworn before a court.
The distinction between an oath and a jurat matters practically. The oath is the act of swearing. A jurat is the complete notarial certificate — which includes witnessing a signature, administering the oath, and certifying that the person swore to the contents. Most affidavit notarizations are jurats because they combine all three elements.
Reviewed by James Lumas, Lead Editor. Not legal advice.
Oath
Invokes a deity
“I swear by Almighty God…”
Affirmation
No deity invoked
“I solemnly affirm…”
A person who knowingly makes a false statement under a notary-administered oath or affirmation may be charged with perjury under M.G.L. c.268 §1. The legal consequences are the same as a false statement made before a court. This is what gives the oath its binding force.
Every Situation Where a
Massachusetts Notary Administers Oaths
New Notary Swearing-In
A new Massachusetts notary commission does not become active until the notary takes the official oath of office before an authorized official.
Municipal & Public Employee Oaths
Massachusetts public employees, board members, and elected officials must take an official oath of office. Notaries may administer these oaths.
Affidavit Oaths & Jurats
Every affidavit notarization is a jurat — the notary administers an oath or affirmation that the sworn statement’s contents are true.
Deposition Oaths
Under Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 28(a) and M.G.L. c.222 §1A, a notary may administer the oath at a deposition.
Corporate & Business Oaths
Business documents and corporate proceedings that require a sworn statement from an officer, director, or authorized signatory.
Immigration & Federal Documents
Federal forms and immigration documents requiring a sworn oath or affirmation before a notary as an authorized oath administrator.
New Notary Swearing-In —
5 Steps to Active Commission
After the Governor’s Council approves your application, your commission is not yet active. You must be sworn in by an authorized official. Here is exactly how it works.
Receive Approval Notice
The Secretary of Commonwealth sends written notification that the Governor’s Council has approved your application.
Pay $60 Commission Fee
Send the $60 commissioning fee to the Secretary of Commonwealth. This finalizes the commission issuance.
Receive Commission Certificate
The Secretary issues your commission certificate. Bring this — and your government-issued ID — to the swearing-in.
Appear Before Hanson
Bring your certificate and the jurat section of your application. Hanson administers the official oath of office in person.
Commission Active
Hanson signs, seals, and dates the jurat section. Your Massachusetts notary commission is now officially active.
Do not perform any notarial acts until after you have been sworn in. Acting as a notary before taking the official oath is a violation of Massachusetts law. Book online to arrange same-day swearing-in at our Tewksbury office or at your location.
Frequently Asked About
Oath Administration in MA
Specific situation not covered here? Call before your appointment.
(978) 424-4629Editorial Accuracy
All answers reviewed by James Lumas, Lead Editor for accuracy under M.G.L. c.222.
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Can a Massachusetts notary administer an oath?−
Yes. Under M.G.L. c.222 §1A, Massachusetts notaries public are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations in all cases where one is required. An oath or affirmation administered by a Massachusetts notary carries the same legal weight as one administered by a judge or clerk-magistrate. The person must appear in person, be identified through satisfactory evidence of identity, and take the vow under the penalties of perjury.
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What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?+
An oath under M.G.L. c.222 §1 invokes a deity — “I swear by Almighty God…” An affirmation is legally equivalent but does not invoke a deity — it is for individuals with conscientious objections to swearing by a deity. Both carry the same legal consequences. A Massachusetts notary may administer either form and the person being sworn has the right to choose.
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Does a new Massachusetts notary need to be sworn in by another notary?+
Yes. After the Governor’s Council approves a new notary’s application and the $60 fee is paid, the notary must take an official oath of office before their commission becomes active. This oath is administered by an authorized official — commonly a current Massachusetts notary. The jurat section of the application form must be completed and signed before the administering notary with their signature, seal, and commission expiration date applied. We provide new notary swearing-in throughout Massachusetts, same-day.
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What is the difference between an oath and a jurat?+
An oath is the act of swearing or affirming — it is one component of a jurat. A jurat under M.G.L. c.222 §1 is the full notarial act that includes: the person appearing in person, being identified, signing the document in the notary’s presence, and taking an oath or affirmation about the truthfulness of the document’s contents. Virtually all affidavit notarizations are jurats — the oath is what makes the affidavit sworn.
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Can a notary administer a deposition oath in Massachusetts?+
Yes. Under Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 28(a) and M.G.L. c.222 §1A, a notary may administer the oath at a deposition. The notary places the witness under oath before testimony begins but does not participate in questioning. Many court reporters are also commissioned notaries and fulfill this role. We can travel to law firm offices and conference rooms throughout Massachusetts for deposition oath administration.
Your Oath, Administered.
Legal. Binding. Mobile.
New notary swearing-in, municipal oaths, deposition oaths, affidavit jurats, immigration sworn statements — we administer oaths and affirmations throughout Massachusetts under M.G.L. c.222 §1A. Same-day available, 7 days.
Book Oath Administration
M.G.L. c.222 §1A — Statewide Authority
Content sourced from M.G.L. c.222 §1A, M.G.L. c.222 §1 (definitions of oath and affirmation), Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 28(a), and the Governor’s Executive Order No. 455. Reviewed by James Lumas, Lead Editor. HireMobileNotary.com is not a law firm. Not legal advice. Last updated April 26, 2026.