What is a notary public?
According to the National Notary Association a Notary Public is
“ an official of integrity appointed by the state government — typically by the secretary of state — to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. These official acts are called notarizations, or notarial acts.”
WHat does a notary public do?
A notary's job is to verify a signer's identity and to screen their willingness to sign a document to ensure they are not being forced to sign paperwork under duress. Some notarizations additionally require the Notary to place the signer under oath, proclaiming that the information included in the document is genuine and correct under penalty of perjury.
Importance of being a Notary Public.
Through the process of notarization, Notaries deter fraud and establish that the signer knows what document they're signing and that they're a willing participant in the transaction.
What a notary public is not.
A Notary Public in the United States is not an attorney, judge, or high-ranking official, as they are in other nations. When immigrants contact Notaries in this nation, they may be confused by the differences between a US Notary and a Notario Publico. When marketing your business please ensure that you stay away from all labels such as “Notario Publico” as a notary public is not the same thing.
steps to become a notary public
Meet all the states requirements, fill out the application and send it in.
Pay the filing fee to the state.
Get training from a reputable education provider (if applicable).
Pass a state-mandated examination (if applicable).
Fingerprinting and a background check are both required (if applicable).
The state will provide you a commission certificate.
Obtain a surety bond (if applicable).
Your Notary regulating authority (Secretary of State) will get your commission paperwork (along with your bond).
10. Purchase the necessary notary supplies.
how to become a notary by each state
Click your state to be led to the application to become a Notary Public.
Alaska: Alaska Notaries Public
Arkansas: Notary
California: Forms, Services, and Fees
Colorado: Notary Public
Connecticut: Notary Public Licensing
Delaware: Delaware Notary Public
Florida: Notaries - Division of Corporations - Florida Department of State
Georgia: Georgia Notary Application | GSCCCA
Hawaii: Online Notary Public
Idaho: Notary Public Instructions
Illinois: Notary Services
Indiana: INBIZ Notaries
Iowa: About Notaries
Kentucky: Search - Secretary of State
Louisiana: Notary & Certifications
Maine: Notary Public
Maryland: Secretary of State | Notary Division
Massachusetts: Notary Public Information
Michigan: Notary services
Minnesota: Become a Notary
Mississippi: MISSISSIPPI SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE
Missouri: Notary & Commission
Montana:Applying for a Commission (New and Renewal) – Montana Secretary of State – Christi Jacobsen
New Hampshire: NH-SOS - Notary Public
New Jersey: Home Page - Notary Application
New Mexico: Become a Notary | Maggie Toulouse Oliver - New Mexico Secretary of State
New York: Notary Public Application Instructions
North Carolina: Initial Application for NC Notary Public
North Dakota: How to Become a Notary Public | Secretary of State
Oklahoma: Notary Home
Pennsylvania: Application Information
Rhode Island: Become a Notary - Rhode Island - Nellie M. Gorbea
South Carolina: Notaries | SC Secretary of State
South Dakota:Becoming a Notary Public
Tennessee: How to become a Notary | Tennessee Secretary of State
Texas: Notary Public
Utah: Utah Notary
Vermont: Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation Notaries Public Section
Virginia:https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/official-documents/notary-commissions/become/
Washington: Notary Public Commision Application
West Virginia: FEE: $52.00 ****************************** APPLICATION CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ******************************* For Office Use Only
Wisconsin:WDFI-Notary Public
Wyoming: Notary Public
