Becoming a Notary Public

A Notary Public is a person that is authorized to approve official documents in his or her home state. They act as an impartial witness to the signing and authorization of important documents, such as wills, mortgages, prenuptial agreements, and other contracts and legal items. A notary’s signature and seal provides a legal guarantee that the document in question was agreed upon and signed by the necessary people. This type of legally binding authority can only be carried out by someone of good standing who has been approved to carry out these duties in their state. Laid out below is information on how to become a notary.

Prerequisites

Before applying to be a notary, you should have certain items already in place. Notaries are required to have a surety bond, which is insurance that protects your clients in case a mistake is made. Most states also require applicants to take a notary course. You should also be prepared to share your employment history when you apply and agree to a background check.

Requirements

Specific requirements may vary based on your home state, but the general rules are similar around the country. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, be a citizen of the state in which they are applying, be fluent in English, and be at least 18 years old. Be prepared to show proof that you have met all the prerequisites listed above. Once you pass your background check and your application is approved, you will need to take an official oath, likely in person.

Fees

The process for becoming a notary does require you to spend a bit of money. In addition to your surety bond, the application itself has a fee that varies by state. You will also need to purchase basic items, such as a journal to record your signings, and an official seal.

Notaries are prized for their notability, in that they have been officially approved by their home state as upstanding citizens. This is an asset for those looking to make an extra income or gain more notoriety and value in the workplace.