How to Become a Notary

Notary public is an officer appointed to certify the affidavits, depositions and other important documents, in order to authenticate the execution of these documents. The notary is also bestowed the authority to witness negotiable instruments. Negotiable instrument is an unconditional written order for the payment of a certain amount of money and a bill of exchange, which is transferable from one person to another. The notary serves as an impartial witness to the above stated documents and notarizes these documents to discourage frauds and hoaxes. Let us understand how to become a notary.

The requirements of becoming a notary vary in different states of the US. The educational requirements of each of the states differ. However, there are certain requirements common to all the states, in order to become a notary. The common prerequisites to become a notary are as follows:

Become a Notary - Age and Nationality
The applicant interested in becoming a notary should be at least 18 years of age. He must be an official resident of the state in which he wants to become a notary. The applicant who is pronounced of serious crime, is not eligible to become a notary. Additionally, after becoming a notary, if one indulges in criminal activities, the state disqualifies or suspends the notary.

Become a Notary - Application
The application to become a notary is available with the state government or with the National Notary Association. The National Notary Association is a non-commercial organization, which helps the applicants fulfill the educational requirements and other eligibility criteria, depending on the requirements of the respective state government. This organization has also reduced the confusion due to the different eligibility criteria of each state. Many states offer online classes or classroom training for becoming a notary. On the other hand, some states do not offer any training. In such cases, it is recommended that the aspirants attend workshops to gain a basic knowledge of the ethics, litigation and other related information, essential to become a notary. The state may conduct a notary examination of the aspirants before commissioning them as notaries.

Become a Notary - Fees and Oath
The application to become a notary should be filled carefully and submitted to the related authorities along with the compulsory application fees. Some states require you to post a notarized bond before becoming a notary. The application may have an oath attached to it, in some states; while in others, the oath is to be taken after the application has been approved. The oath is usually taken in front of the county clerk or a public official. The notary seal is received after the commission of the applicant is approved. The notary seal consists of the name of the notary along with the date of expiration of the license. The required stamp is to be purchased from an office supply store. This completes the procedure of becoming a notary.

The notary license given to the notary is for a specified duration of certain number of years. The license should be renewed after it expires and it is illegal to attest any documents if the license has expired. The notary is not given the authority to prepare any legal document or give any legal advice. The notary should either witness the signing of the document himself or ask for the identity proof of that person. This authentication of documents which is done by the notary is called notary certification. Mere signing is not expected from the notary. He should also stamp the document with his notary stamp (a legible stamp must be used). These are the basic steps that are to be followed which answers your question of how to become a notary.