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This guide provides the steps necessary to become a notary in Arkansas. It covers the requirements, process, and fees associated with becoming a notary.
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Introduction
In Arkansas, a notary is a public officer commissioned by the Secretary of State to witness signatures, take acknowledgments and administer oaths. The Secretary of State’s office provides a notary public commission to qualified applicants. Notaries public serve an important role in society by deterring fraud and protecting the integrity of documents.
To become a notary in Arkansas, you must:
-Be at least 18 years old
-Be a resident of Arkansas, or have a permanent place of employment in Arkansas
-Be able to read and write English
-Not have been convicted of a felony
To apply for a notary commission, you must:
-Complete the Notary Public Application form
-Submit a $40 fee payable to the Secretary of State
-Submit proof of identity
What is a notary and what do they do?
A notary is a person who is authorized by the state to witness the signing of important documents and to administer oaths. Notaries are sometimes called notary publics or public notaries. The main job of a notary is to prevent fraud by making sure that the people who sign documents are who they say they are and that they understand what they are signing.
Notaries are also responsible for keeping records of their transactions, called notary journals, which list the date, time, type of document, names of the parties involved, and the notary’s signature.
Notaries can refuse to notarize a document if they have any doubts about the identity of the person signing the document or if the person does not appear to understand what he or she is signing.
The requirements to become a notary in Arkansas
In order to become a notary in Arkansas, you must:
-Be 18 years of age or older
-Be a resident of Arkansas or a resident of a neighboring state with a residency in Arkansas
-Complete an approved six-hour notary education course
-Pass the Arkansas Notary Exam with a score of 80% or higher
-Apply for your notary commission through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office
-Pay the $40 commission fee
Once you have met all of the requirements and have been sworn in as a notary public, you will be able to legally perform notarial acts in Arkansas.
The process of becoming a notary in Arkansas
Becoming a notary in Arkansas is a two-step process. First, you must pass an exam administered by the Arkansas Notary Commission. Second, you must submit an application to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office.
The exam covers three areas: notarial law, procedures and ethics. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. The exam fee is $40.
The application fee is $50. You will also need to submit a copy of your bond and a certificate of completion for the Notary Education Course.
The duties of a notary in Arkansas
Notaries in Arkansas are commissioned by the County Clerk in the county (or counties) where they will perform their duties. The term of office is four years, and notaries may be re-commissioned upon expiration. In order to become a notary, an applicant must:
Be at least 18 years of age
Be a resident of Arkansas, or have a place of employment or practice in Arkansas
Be able to read and write English
Have no felony convictions
Submit an application to the County Clerk, along with the required bond and fee
Take and pass the required examination administered by the Secretary of State’s office
The benefits of becoming a notary in Arkansas
Notaries public are important figures in American society. They serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents, such as contracts, deeds, and wills. In Arkansas, notaries public are appointed by the Secretary of State. The office of notary public is a commission that expires four years from the date of appointment.
There are many benefits to becoming a notary public in Arkansas. As a notary, you will be able to:
-Administer oaths and affirmations
-Take acknowledgments
-Witness signatures on documents
-Certify copies of documents
Becoming a notary public is a great way to serve your community and make a difference. If you are interested in becoming a notary public in Arkansas, follow the steps below.
