Florida Notary Information
To become a notary public you must meet certain requirements such as age, citizenship and residency. An applicant must attend a notary course and fill out an application. Florida law outlines the duties of a notary, the fees that can be charged and necessary supplies.
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Purpose
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The purpose of a notary is to witness and authenticate signatures. She can administer an oath regarding documents and verify the identity of the person signing a document. A notary public can also perform a marriage ceremony.
Requirements
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An individual must be 18 years old to be a notary, a United States citizen and a resident of Florida. An applicant must have a Florida driver's license, Florida identification card, voter registration card, income tax form or a sworn Affidavit of Resident to prove identity. An applicant cannot have any felony convictions on his record.
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Education
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A first time notary must take a three-hour education course. The course covers the duties and requirements necessary to become a notary. The notary course can be taken online or in a classroom. The online course has eight sections and questions must be answered at the end of each section to pass. Upon completion, the certificate should be printed and submit with the application. Completion of the course is required within one year of submitting an application. Students who take the course online through the Florida Department of State and the Governor's Office can do so at no cost. Notary courses taught in Florida must be registered and the curriculum approved by the Executive Office of the Governor.
Fees
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A fee of $39 is due with the application. The amount due consists of the application fee, commission fee and education surcharge. The fee can be paid with a personal check, cashier's check or money order. Florida law states a notary public can charge up to $10 per signature on a document to verify a Vehicle Identification Number or confirm the items in a safe deposit box. To perform a marriage ceremony the maximum charge allowed is $20.
Supplies
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A notary is required to have a $7,500 notary bond that protects the client. A notary seal with the notary's exact name, the words "Notary Public-State of Florida," the notary's number and expiration date is also mandatory. Record notary activities in a notary book and use this to complete your taxes each year. Specific certificates are also necessary when notarizing documents.
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