What Is a Notary?
Let me tell you directly: a notary is a publicly commissioned official who acts as an impartial witness when people sign or authenticate legal documents. I see notaries as key players in preventing fraud and making sure transactions—think real estate deeds, affidavits, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and bills of sale—happen with the right documentation and verification.
Key Takeaways
You need notaries for many documents, such as real estate deeds, affidavits, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. If you're aiming to become one, know that you must be at least 18, live in the state where you're licensed, and meet other state-specific rules. The National Notary Association offers resources and details on getting started.
Understanding the Role of a Notary
As a notary, or notary public, you play a crucial part in legal and business dealings by confirming that documents are signed properly and by the correct people. The notarization process includes checking photo IDs from everyone involved to verify identities, watching as each person signs voluntarily, and then adding your seal or stamp with a certificate that records the event. Remember, notaries must not refuse service based on race, nationality, religion, or gender—it's all about fairness and impartiality.
Notary History
History shows notaries go back to 2750 B.C.E. in Egypt and Sumeria, where scribes documented events and witnessed records. In the Roman Empire, notarii and scribae handled everything from speeches to official papers, with Tiro being the first noted notary for his shorthand. The Chinese used similar scribes for logging data and state functions. Notaries even traveled with Christopher Columbus to validate discoveries for the Spanish royals. Figures like Mark Twain were notaries, and others like Salvador Dali, Leonardo Da Vinci, and President Calvin Coolidge had notary fathers—Coolidge was sworn in by his own dad, the only president to do so. Women couldn't become notaries until the 1900s, but now they outnumber men, per the NNA.
How to Become a Notary
The process differs by state, but generally, you need to be 18 and a resident of that state. Costs cover training, supplies, a bond, and your oath. You can't give legal advice or act if you have a personal stake—fines apply if you do. Many states bar those with felony or misdemeanor convictions.
General Steps to Become a Notary
- Meet all state requirements
- Register for and attend an approved notary course
- Pass an exam
- Complete an application, get it notarized, and submit with required documents
- Once approved, take your oath, pay the fee, and get your notary seal
Where Can I Notarize a Document?
You can find notaries who list their services online or through contacts. Places like packaging stores, postal centers, and copy shops often have them on staff. Common spots include post offices, banks and credit unions, real estate firms, tax and accounting offices, libraries, colleges, and shipping stores. Some states allow Remote Online Notarization (RON), which lets you do it online—many adopted this during COVID-19, and it's still available. Check your Secretary of State's office for remote options.
What Does a Notary Do?
Simply put, a notary witnesses document signings. You confirm identities and that signers are willing, making the document authentic and guarding against fraud by recording everything.
What Does It Take to Become a Notary?
Meet your state's rules, complete training and an application, possibly pass an exam, and get sworn in.
How Much Does It Cost to Be a Notary?
It varies by state, but expect to pay for training, materials like your seal, and fees. Some require periodic re-certification, which adds costs.
The Bottom Line
Notaries have been vital for thousands of years, from ancient crop records to today's online verifications, ensuring trustworthy information. Every state and county has them, often in nearby businesses or even next door. If you're in a remote spot, states have laws for easier access via remote tech.
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