Virtual notary services will continue in Massachusetts through December 20, 2021, following the extension of the Virtual Notarization Act on June 16^th.

Originally approved on April 23, 2020, Chapter 71 of the Acts of 2020 “An Act Providing for Virtual Notarization to Address Challenges Related to COVID-19” gives Massachusetts residents the ability to use videoconferencing technologies to meet virtually with a notary public to sign documents during the COVID-19 state of emergency.  The act was originally set to expire on June 15, 2021, or three business days following the lifting of Governor Baker’s executive order declaring the COVID-19 state of emergency.

The extension is welcome news to individuals, businesses, and legal professionals across the Commonwealth, but it remains critical that the stringent requirements governing virtual notarization in Massachusetts are followed.  As a refresher, you can read our previous Client Alert outlining the requirements.