Massachusetts § 19 - Duty to perform notarial act upon payment of fee; exceptions
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 19 — Duty to perform notarial act upon payment of fee; exceptions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19. Duty to perform notarial act upon payment of fee; exceptions
[Text of section applicable pursuant to 2016, 289, Sec. 7.]
Section 19. A notary public shall perform a notarial act for any person requesting such act who tenders the fee provided for in section 41 of chapter 262 or any other general or special law or executive order, unless:
(i) the notary public knows or has reason to believe that the notarial act or the associated transaction is unlawful;
(ii) the principal has a demeanor that causes the notary public to have a compelling doubt about whether the principal knows the consequences of the transaction or document requiring the notarial act;
(iii) the act is prohibited by this chapter or any other applicable law; or
(iv) the number of notarial acts requested practicably precludes completion of all acts at once, in which case, the notary public shall arrange for later completion of the remaining acts.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 19
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 19 cover?
Section 19 ("Duty to perform notarial act upon payment of fee; exceptions") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 19?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 19" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 19 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.