On December 19, 2003, the Governor of Massachusetts issued an Executive Order setting forth new requirements and standards for Notaries Public. Entitled "Standards Of Conduct For Notaries Public," the Order includes new required text for acknowledgements, jurat certificates and witnessed signatures.

Due to continuing concerns with the content of the rules and feedback from affected professions, the deadline for compliance has been extended a second time, to May 15, 2004. Changes to the rules have been proposed and may further affect the content of the final rule.

Standard Solutions has released and posted a program update to help clients comply with the new standards. The program update is subject to being withdrawn for revision as necessary due to changing requirements. Please check this news page periodically for further information.

The complete text of the amended executive order and proposed changes can be found at www.mass.gov/legal/notaries.html.

The original executive order can be found at www.lawlib.state.ma.us/ExecOrders/eo455.doc. Additional information can be found at http://www.mass.gov/legal/faq_eo455.doc.