How do I become a notary? This question crosses many minds when considering adding a new skill to their resume, looking for a side hustle, or exploring a career change. Understanding “how do I become a notary” may seem complex at first, but the process is more straightforward than you think.
The process begins with learning what this role entails – it’s a way to serve your community while adding an official, trusted service to your professional offerings. This guide covers everything you need to know about the journey.
As a notary, you act as an impartial witness to help prevent fraud. People rely on you to verify identities and ensure important documents are signed correctly. It’s a role with significant responsibility that can be incredibly rewarding, opening up new career opportunities.
When people research “how do I become a notary”, they’re often surprised to learn they can participate in major life events, helping people buy their first home, set up a power of attorney, or finalize adoption papers. Your notary stamp helps make those moments official.
What Exactly is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-appointed official who witnesses the signing of important documents and performs specific notarial acts. Your main function involves confirming the signer’s identity and their willingness to sign without pressure, serving as a frontline defense against fraud.
By verifying someone’s identity through government-issued IDs, you give credibility to notarized documents. Your official stamp and signature indicate that proper procedures have been followed. Notaries also administer oaths and affirmations, often seen in legal settings for witness testimony.
State law defines the different notarial acts you perform. These include acknowledgments, where a signer declares they willingly signed a document, and jurats, where the signer swears the document’s contents are true.
After performing your duty, you complete a notarial certificate – the document section where you record what happened, sign your name, and affix your seal. This certificate provides official proof of correct notarization.
Common Documents You May Notarize
As a notary, you encounter various types of paperwork:
- Real estate deeds
- Mortgage loan documents
- Powers of attorney
- Wills and trusts
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Contracts and business agreements
- Vehicle title transfers
Each document represents a critical part of someone’s personal or business life. Your role ensures that these important papers are handled carefully and in accordance with the laws of your state, making being a notary a respected position.
Note: Once commissioned as a notary public, you will be bound by your state’s notary laws and professional standards. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in civil or criminal liability. It is your responsibility to stay informed about your duties, limitations, and ongoing requirements as a notary public.
General Requirements to Become a Notary
While every state has specific rules, some general requirements remain consistent across most jurisdictions:
You typically must be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the state where you’re applying. Some states may require residency for a certain period, like 30 days.
Background requirements are strict because notaries hold positions of public trust. Most states require a clean criminal record, so background checks are standard. Felony convictions, especially for fraud or crimes of moral turpitude, can disqualify applicants. Some states may require fingerprints as part of the background check.
You must also be able to read and write English to understand documents and communicate effectively with signers.
| Common Requirement | General Guideline |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Residency | Legal resident of commissioning state |
| Criminal History | No felony convictions, especially fraud-related |
| Language | Able to read and write English |
How Do I Become a Notary: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s the practical process for getting your commission. Remember to check your specific state requirements, as they vary considerably. Your state’s Secretary of State website is typically the best starting point, as this office usually oversees notary public commissions.
Note: Your specific situation may require different procedures or have unique considerations not addressed in this general guide. Factors such as your criminal history, residency status, previous notary experience, or specific state requirements may affect your eligibility or application process.
Step 1: Meet Your State’s Qualifications
First, ensure you qualify by visiting your Secretary of State’s official website (.gov domains). Find the notary public section for a clear list of requirements. Each state sets its own eligibility criteria.
If you don’t meet basic criteria like age, residency, and background requirements, you cannot proceed. Read everything carefully and consider contacting your local county clerk for additional information.
Step 2: Complete Your Application
Once you confirm eligibility, fill out the application form (usually available as a PDF on the state website). Complete it accurately and thoroughly – errors or missing information can cause delays or rejection.
You’ll need to pay an application fee at this stage. Costs vary by state but are generally affordable, with some states requiring payment via check or money order.
Step 3: Take Training and Pass the Exam
Many states require approved education courses. Even if your state doesn’t mandate training, taking a course is wise. The course covers state notary laws, proper procedures, and how to handle challenging situations.
After training, you’ll likely take a state-administered exam covering the course material. This ensures you understand your duties and responsibilities before receiving your commission.
According to the National Notary Association, these educational requirements protect the public. The training courses prepare you well – with attention and study, passing should be manageable.
Step 4: Get Your Supplies
Once your application is approved and you’ve passed the exam, obtain your official notary supplies: your notary seal or stamp and a notary journal.
Your seal is your official mark, containing your name, state, and commission expiration date. The journal records every notarial act you perform, required by law in many states.
Detailed journal-keeping protects you and the public by creating transaction records. You’ll log the date, notarization type, document title, and signer information. This record can be vital if a notarized document is challenged in court.
Step 5: Secure a Surety Bond
Most states require notaries to have surety bonds – insurance that protects the public from financial harm if you make mistakes. It’s not insurance for you, but for your clients.
Bond amounts vary by state, often ranging from $500 to $25,000. You’ll purchase this bond from a licensed insurance or bonding company. Filing proof of your bond with the state is often a final step before your commission becomes official.
The bond remains valid for your entire commission term, typically four years. If the bonding company pays out a claim due to your error, you’ll likely need to repay them. Many professionals also purchase separate Errors & Omissions insurance for their own protection.
The Future is Digital: Remote Online Notarization
Business services are evolving, and notarization is evolving too. Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows you to notarize documents for people anywhere using secure audio-video technology.
This represents a significant opportunity for notaries. You’re no longer limited to in-person meetings. Remote notaries can work from home and serve a much wider client base.
States have been passing laws to allow this practice, with many now having permanent legal frameworks for remote online notarization. This opens numerous possibilities for your business.
Becoming a Remote Online Notary
To become a RON practitioner, you must first be a traditionally commissioned notary. Then, you’ll take additional training specific to remote notarization, covering technology, identity-proofing methods, and legal requirements for online sessions.
You’ll also need to select a RON technology platform that provides the secure environment for notarization, including features for identity verification, video conferencing, and digital signing and sealing.
Choosing the right platform is crucial for success. NotaryCam offers comprehensive technology and support that notaries need to perform duties remotely and securely. You can license our platform to build your digital notary business, providing tools to connect with clients globally while maintaining the highest security standards.
Please note: NotaryCam does not provide clients for independent notaries.
Keeping Your Commission Active
Your notary commission has a limited term – most states issue four-year commissions. After that, you’ll need to renew to continue working as a notary.
The renewal process is usually simpler than initial application. You may need to take a refresher course or pass an exam again. Starting the renewal process well before your current commission expires is important to avoid any lapse in your ability to notarize.
Mark your calendar with your expiration date. Letting your commission lapse could mean starting the entire application process over, including new background checks. Staying on top of renewal saves considerable time and effort.
Conclusion
How do I become a notary? The answer involves meeting your state’s specific eligibility requirements, submitting a complete application, getting proper training, and securing necessary tools and bonding. While it takes dedicated effort, the process is very manageable.
By carefully following your state office’s requirements, you can earn your commission and become a trusted public official. You’ll play an important role in protecting against fraud and facilitating major life and business transactions in your community.
The field continues growing with digital options. Exploring remote online notarization through platforms like NotaryCam can expand your services far beyond your local area, offering new opportunities in this flexible and important profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary?
The timeline varies by state but typically ranges from 2-8 weeks. This includes time for application processing, background checks, training completion, and exam scheduling.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
Total costs generally range from $50-$200, including application fees, training courses, exam fees, surety bond, and supplies like your seal and journal.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
Most states prohibit notarizing documents for immediate family members or documents where you have a financial interest to prevent conflicts of interest.
Do I need insurance as a notary?
While surety bonds are typically required, many notaries also purchase Errors & Omissions insurance for additional protection against potential lawsuits.
Can I work as a notary in multiple states?
You must be commissioned separately in each state where you want to perform notarizations. Each state has its own requirements and commission process.
What’s the difference between a notary and a notary signing agent?
A notary signing agent is a notary public with additional training to handle loan document signings, typically for mortgage closings and refinances.
Your Privacy Choices
