How to Become a Notary Public in Florida

Notary publics witness signatures and verify the identification of the person signing a document. They work in courthouses, lawyers' offices or their own practices. In Florida, the governor's office gives notary public's their commission, or state permission to act as a notary. The governor's office does not give out applications or information about the process, instead directing applicants to state-approved bonding companies that collect applications and forward them electronically to the governor's office.

Instructions

1. Complete a Florida-approved three-hour notary education course. You can find a list of approved courses on the website for the Governor's Office in Florida. Get a certificate when you complete the course.

2. Find an approved bonding company on the website for the Governor of Florida. A bonding company is a company that Florida approves to electronically transmit notary public applications to the Governor's office.

3. Contact the approved bonding company of your choice online to get an application to become a notary. Most companies have the applications online.

4. Fill out the application online by typing your information into it. Provide your name, address, phone number, Florida driver's license number and place of employment in the top part of the application. Indicate that you are a Florida resident and fill out any information regarding previous employment as a notary.

5. Print the application. Ask a friend to fill out the Affidavit of Character stating that you are of good character and sign it. You must sign the oath at the bottom of the application.

6. Sign and date the bond on the last page of the application. Return the entire application by mail along with your proof of education and the required payment to the bonding company. Florida requires every company to charge $39 for the application, but companies may set their own bonding prices.

7. Wait two to three weeks to receive your notary commission in the mail.

References

• Florida Governor Charlie Crist: How to Become a Florida Notary Public

Resources

• Florida Governor Charlie Crist: Approved Notary Education
• Florida Governor Charlie Crist: Approved Bonding Companies