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A notary public is a person who has been appointed by the state to witness the signing of important documents and to administer oaths. If you’re interested in becoming a notary public in Iowa, read on for more information.
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Introduction
A notary public is an individual appointed by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in the signing of documents. A notary’s main function is to prevent fraud by making sure that the person signing a document is who they say they are. In Iowa, notaries are appointed by the Governor for a four-year term.
In order to become a notary in Iowa, you must:
-Be at least 18 years old
-Be a resident of Iowa or have a business in Iowa
-Be able to read and write English
-Not have been convicted of a felony
-Not have had your notary commission revoked in any state
You will also need to purchase a $10,000 surety bond and submit an application to the Secretary of State’s office. Once you have been appointed, you will need to purchase a notary stamp which must be used on all documents you notarize.
What is a notary public?
A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, and performing other official acts specified by law. The primary purpose of a notary public is to prevent fraud by identifying the person who appears before them and examining that person’s identity documents.
A notary public does not have the authority to provide legal advice or prepare legal documents. If you need legal advice or assistance with a legal document, you should consult an attorney.
To become a notary public in Iowa, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be a resident of Iowa or have a place of employment or practice in Iowa.
3. Complete a notary public educational program approved by the Secretary of State’s office OR successfully complete an open-book examination approved by the Secretary of State’s office.
4. Submit an application to the Secretary of State’s office along with the following:
* A $40 filing fee payable to the “Secretary of State”.
* A Certificate of Completion for the educational program OR a passing score on the open-book examination.
* A completed Oath and Bond form provided by the Secretary of State’s office.
5. Take and sign the Oath of Office before a judge or clerk of court in Iowa OR take and sign the Oath of Office before a Notary Public Commissioned in Iowa. The oath must be filed with your application materials.
6. Obtain errors and omissions insurance from any company authorized to sell such insurance in Iowa in an amount not less than $25,000 per occurrence/$50,000 aggregate for each year of your term as a notary public OR file evidence with the Secretary of State’s office that you are self-insured for said amount for each year of your term as a notary public in accordance with rules promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to Chapter 17A.
Note: If you are commissioned as a Notary Public for 2019-2020, you will need to complete 3 hours of continuing education before December 31, 2020, in order to renew your commission for 2021-2022
The duties of a notary public
A notary public is a person who has been appointed by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in the taking of acknowledgments, affirmations of fact, depositions, and oaths. A notary public must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Iowa, and cannot have been convicted of a felony.
To become a notary public in Iowa, you must:
1) Complete an application form and have it Notarized.
2) Submit the completed application, the $40 fee, and a 2x2 inch passport-sized photograph to the Secretary of State’s office.
3) You will be notified by mail when your commission has been approved and you will be given instructions on how to obtain your official seal.
Qualifications to become a notary public in Iowa
A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to witness signatures, administer oaths, and affirm affirmations. In Iowa, a notary public must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state or a resident of a bordering state who works in Iowa. A notary public must also have the ability to read and write English.
In order to become a notary public in Iowa, an individual must first complete an application form provided by the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. The individual must then submit the completed application form, along with the required fee, to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.
Once the individual has submitted the required materials to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office, he or she will be issued a commission as a notary public. The commission will be valid for a period of four years from the date of issuance.
How to become a notary public in Iowa
In Iowa, the Secretary of State’s office regulates notaries public. Any U.S. citizen or legal resident alien who is at least 18 years old and has not been convicted of a felony may apply to become a notary public in Iowa.
To become a notary public in Iowa, you must:
1. Complete an application form. You can get this form from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office or from your local county courthouse.
2. Submit the completed application form, along with a $40 filing fee, to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.
3. Take and pass a written exam administered by the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. This exam tests your knowledge of Iowa notary laws and procedures.
4. Purchase surety bonds totaling $5,000 from an insurance company licensed to do business in Iowa. These bonds must be filed with the county recorder in the county where you live or work as a notary public.
How to renew your notary commission in Iowa
To renew your notary commission in Iowa, you must submit a Notary Public License Renewal Application to the Secretary of State’s office. The renewal application must be signed by the applicant and notarized. You must also include a $10 renewal fee.
Your notary commission can be renewed up to 60 days prior to the expiration date. If your application is postmarked after your commission has expired, you will be required to retake the notary exam.
Frequently asked questions about being a notary public in Iowa
Becoming a notary public in Iowa is a two-step process. First, you must obtain a bond and then you must file your bond with the county recorder in the county where you reside. If you plan to practice outside of your county of residence, you must also file your bond in that county.
What is a notary bond?
A notary bond is a surety bond that protects the public from acts of fraud or negligence by a notary public. The bond is typically in the amount of $5,000.
Where can I get a notary bond?
You can obtain a notary bond from an insurance company or a surety company.
How much does it cost to become a notary public in Iowa?
The cost of becoming a notary public in Iowa depends on the amount of the surety bond that you purchase. Bond prices typically range from $25 to $100.
How often do I need to renew my notary commission?
Your notary commission must be renewed every four years.
What are the duties of a notary public in Iowa?
The duties of a notary public in Iowa include: taking acknowledgments, administering oaths and affirmations, witnessing or attesting signatures, and certifying copies of document
