Contents
A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in the taking of acknowledgments, depositions, oaths, and affirmations.
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Introduction
A notary public is an official of the state who is vested with the authority to certify documents, administer oaths, and perform other similar functions. The requirements for becoming a notary public vary from state to state, but generally speaking, the process involves completing an application, passing a background check, and passing a written exam. Some states also require that notaries complete a short training course. Once you have met all the requirements for becoming a notary public in your state, you will be issued a commission by the state’s Secretary of State.
What is a Notary?
A notary is an impartial witness who verifies the identity of a person signing a document and attests to the person’s signature. A notary can also take acknowledgments of documents, administer oaths, and certify copies of certain documents. In some states, notaries are also authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.
To become a notary, you must first meet your state’s requirements, which generally include being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, and completing a Notary training course. After you have met your state’s requirements, you must pass a Notary exam administered by your state’s Notary Commission. Once you have passed the exam and paid the associated fees, you will be sworn in as a Notary Public by a judge or other official authorized by your state.
The Responsibilities of a Notary
A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in the taking of acknowledgments, signatures, and depositions. Notaries are also empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, certify copies of certain documents, and perform other duties specified by law.
To become a notary in the state of California, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be a California resident or have a place of business in California.
3. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent certificate of completion.
4. Complete a notary public education program approved by the Secretary of State (SOS). The notary public education program must consist of at least six hours of interactive classroom or online instruction that covers all of the following:
-The role and duties of a notary public.
-How to prevent and detect fraud associated with documents that notaries public are authorized to certify.
-How to prevent unlawful discrimination in connection with the performance of a duty as a notary public. 5. Pass an examination administered by the SOS or an entity authorized by the SOS to administer examinations for prospective notaries public, which shall include all of the following:
-The role and duties of a notary public under state and federal law.
-The procedures specified in the Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility adopted pursuant to Section 8201.
-How to prevent and detect fraud associated with documents that Notaries Public are authorized to certify under state and federal law.”
Qualifications to Become a Notary
In order to become a notary, you must first meet your state’s requirements. Most states require that you:
-Be at least 18 years old
-Be a resident of the state in which you will be commissioned
-Have no felony convictions
-Complete a notary training course (may be required only if you do not have a degree in law)
-Pass a written exam
-Submit an application to the county clerk’s office (or other designated office)
-Pay the required fee
-Take an oath of office
-Purchase adequate surety bonds
After you have met all of the qualifications and been commissioned as a notary public, you will be required to maintain your status by renewing your commission every few years (the time frame differs by state).
Steps to Becoming a Notary
Becoming a notary public is a simple process in most states. The first step is to contact your state’s notary licensing agency to find out the requirements. In some states, you must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the state in which you wish to become licensed. In other states, there is no age requirement, but you must be a resident of the state.
You will also need to complete a notary training course and pass an exam. Once you have met all the requirements, you will need to purchase a surety bond and submit an application to the licensing agency. The bond is insurance that protects the public from losses incurred as a result of dishonest or fraudulent acts by the notary.
The final step in becoming a notary is to have your name and contact information listed in a public notary directory. This directory is maintained by the state in which you are licensed and can be accessed by anyone who needs to find a notary public in their area.
The Notary Exam
To become a notary, you must first pass the notary exam. The notary exam is administered by the state in which you live. The exam is usually a written test that covers the duties and responsibilities of a notary public. Once you pass the exam, you will be issued a notary license.
After You Become a Notary
You will receive your notary commission from the state you applied in. The commission is valid for four years, unless otherwise specified by the state.
You must purchase a notary stamp that meets your state’s requirements and keep it in a safe place. The stamp must have your name, the words “Notary Public,” the Great Seal of your state, and the dates of your current notary commission.
Some states also require that you maintain a journal of notarial acts. This can be an invaluable reference if there is ever any question about a notarization you performed or if you need to refresh your memory about a past transaction.
You may perform any type of notarial act that is allowed in your state. The most common are taking acknowledgments, administering oaths and affirmations, taking verifications on oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting signatures, and certifying copies of certain documents.
Notary Fees
Fees vary by state, but they are generally around $10-$20 for a notarization. Some states allow notaries to charge more for mobile services, or for service outside of normal business hours. You can check with your state’s Notary Commission for more information on fees.
Renewing Your Notary Commission
To renew your notary commission, you must submit an application to the secretary of state’s office no less than 30 days and no more than 60 days before your current commission expires. The renewal application must include:
-Your name and contact information
-The county where you reside
-Your social security number
-Your notary ID number
-A 2x2 inch passport-style photograph taken within the past 6 months
-A completed criminal history self-disclosure form
-An original surety bond in the amount of $5,000
-A filing fee of $40 paid by check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State
You will also need to submit a renewal oath, which can be found on the back of the application form. Once your application and oath have been received and processed, you will be issued a new notary commission certificate valid for 4 years.
Notary Supplies
A notary public is an individual who is commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, or affirmations, and performing other official acts specified by law.
Notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State. The initial appointment is for a four-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms a Notary may serve.
Notaries are compensated solely by the fees they charge for performing official acts. They are prohibited from asking for or accepting any gratuity, gift, favor, reward, commission, or remuneration for any official act performed as a notary.(The only exception to this rule involves gifts received from immediate family members.)
