How to Become a Notary Public

The office of the notary public is rooted in history. Right from the time of the Roman Empire, notaries were employed to be the witness for signing documents and administrator of oaths. Later, in the middle ages, notaries became even more prominent and were employed by the Pope or the Archbishop, which virtually gave notaries a holy halo.

In the modern, industrial age, notaries became a major office under the British rule. The administrative system in the British colonies such as India was notorious for its bureaucracy, and a seal of affirmation was required for virtually every official activity. This system of notary public spread throughout the world in the 19th century and became a prominent feature of the industrial age.

In the US, becoming a notary public does not require any special training or experience. The notary public’s job is to serve as a witness to the signing of documents and to administrator the taking of oaths. Notary public is a relatively easy position to secure; in most cases, it only requires a candidate to pass a test and undergo a background check.

The rights and privileges given to a notary public do not extend beyond the basic duties of an impartial witness. The notary public is not allowed to serve as a legal counsel, practice law, or even prepare legal documents.

There are three steps to becoming a notary public:

One

Visit the National Notary Association website at NationalNotary.org and fill out the application with your name, address, contact and other info. The application procedures vary from state to state; confirm your state’s procedure at the National Notary website.

Two

Applicants must pay a fee to the commissioning authority. This can be done online at the National Notary website.

Three

The third step varies from state to state and may include passing a written examination. All applicants are also required to take an oath of office. Most states also offer educational courses that are designed to help applicants gain their notary commission.