- A notary is called a "notary public." This is an officer who has the authorization to witness documents, and to administer statutory declarations and oaths. Their official capacity is determined by the jurisdiction in which they are licensed, and those duties might vary from state to state. Individuals who apply to become a notary public normally apply through their Secretary of State's office, and it may require a posting of a bond, which can be purchased through an insurance company.
- People will normally seek out a notary public to have documents notarized. These types of documents include escrow papers, wills, or bills of sale. The purpose in these instances is to provide witness to the fact that the person signing the document is the actual person the signature represents. The notary public will verify identification of the signer, and will record that information in a notary book, and affix a stamp on the document, verifying the information.
- Those who are authorized to execute the duties of a notary public might do this as a part time service. Bank tellers, real estate agents, and title officers are often notaries. Some people choose to become full time notaries, making their living primarily from the notary tasks they provide. Some offer door to door notary service, where the notary public will commute to the client for document signing. Services of a notary are sometimes provided as a complimentary service.
- There are more notaries in the United States than in other countries, with a count of over 4 million. The powers of a notary public in the United States are not as broad as those of notaries in many other countries. In the other countries, where the duties are more extensive, special training is often required, as is an apprenticeship. A notary in the United States is not a license to practice law.
- The history of the notary dates back to ancient Rome. During that time they were called notarius, tabellius or scribae. These notarius copied or transcribed documents, and recorded official proceedings. They registered decrees and documented the judgments set forth by the magistrates. Those early notaries were typically affiliated with the legal profession, remaining in practice into the fifth century, throughout the Dark Ages, and on into thirteenth-century Scotland and modern times.
