How to Become a Public Notary

A New York State notary public seal

A public notary, or notary public, is a person who witnesses signatures on important or official documents and, in some states, administers oaths. Notaries are appointed by state governments. Public notaries are impartial witnesses who verify the identification of people signing documents by checking their passports or state-issued ID cards, and they establish that people entering into agreements understand the agreements and are entering them willingly. In some states, like California and Florida, notaries public may perform marriages. The rules for becoming a public notary vary by state.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• Application fee
• Public notary exam
• Insurance bond
• Insurance bond premium
• Filing Fee
• Notary seal
• Record book

Instructions

1. Contact your Secretary of State for your state's requirements to become a public notary. All states require notaries to be at least 18 years old and a permanent resident of that state. Many states require first-time notaries public to take a short course about the rules, ethics and laws for notaries.

2. Fill out the application and pay the application fee. The application fee varies by state. If your state requires a course, you will have to pay for that as well. Most states also require background checks or fingerprints, or both.

3. Take the exam. Most states require public notaries to take a short, open-book exam. Check if your state has an online exam available.

4. Post a bond. Most states require notaries public to have insurance against damages claimed by people whose signatures they've witnessed. You can learn about bonds from the Secretary of State's office. Many homeowners' insurance companies can give you this information as well. You will pay a yearly premium on the bond.

5. Take the oath if your application is accepted. You must take your oath in front of another notary public before your term officially begins. Some states may also require an additional filing fee. Make sure you sign your oath with the exact name and signature you will use when you notarize documents.

6. Get your seal. After you've been approved as a notary public, you must have an official seal for your signature to be legal. You will also need to keep a record of all of the documents you notarize. Some states require an official journal to record your notarial acts. Notary supplies are available online from organizations like the National Notary Association (www.nationalnotary.org) and the American Society of Notaries (www.notaries.org).

7. Find out how long your term of notary public lasts. You will have to renew your application when your term expires. The length of a public notary's term varies by state.

References

• American Society of Notaries
• National Notary Association
• How to Become a Notary Public