What to know what is a notary public and how to become one?
A notary public is certified by a state and serves as a witness to the signing of documents and is permitted to administers oaths. Depending on the state you live in, a notary may also legally perform civil marriages. There are five basic steps that must be completed in order to become a notary public, however, additional requirements may be necessary depending on the state of your particular term or commission.
1. Meet the basic requirements
To be eligible to serve as a notary public the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and an official resident of the state in which they are applying for the notary commission. If you’ve ever been convicted of a felony you are ineligible to become a notary public. Civil and criminal offenses are also considered grounds for disqualification or suspension of office.
2. Obtain the necessary application
An application to become a notary public can easily be obtained from your state’s local government offices or from the National Notary Association, also known as NNA. This non-profit organization also provides information and education on the widely varying eligibility requirements and provisions on becoming a notary public that are based on the state of residence.
3. Fulfill the application requirements
Some states require that a notary take educational courses and pass an examination before being granted their commission. If there are no education requirements in your state of residence, attend a workshop for aspiring notaries to glean all of the necessary information such as ethics, the law, and what a notary should do in special or problem situations.
4. Submit your application and pay the required fees
All applicants must pay a commission or application fee to the commissioning authority in their area, and many states also require that the prospective applicant post a notary bond before obtaining their commission. Carefully follow the instructions and remember that the way you list your name on the application is how it must appear every time you notarize a document.
5. Take your oath of office as a notary public
After you have received notification that your notary application has been approved you will have to take an oath of office. In some areas, the oath is incorporated into the application, but usually the prospective notary will be required to take an oath in front of a county clerk or other public official. Your official notary seal or stamp will be sent to you after your commission is approved and all of the above requirements are met satisfactorily.
Important facts to remember about becoming a notary public are:
- A notary public is not permitted to prepare legal paperwork or dispense legal advice. The notary’s purpose is to merely attest that the person signing is who they say they are and has signed the document under their own free will.
- A notary is a public servant who is appointed by the state and serves a term referred to as a commission that varies in length from state to state but is usually four years. After that time the notary will have to apply to renew their commission.
- There is a set fee that a notary is permitted to charge for each notarial act performed. Each notary public is required to keep an official journal listing the details and fee charges for each of those notarial acts. These fees and requirements regarding the journal will also vary by state.
