Table of Contents
Overview of Notary
In this article, you will learn a lot about who a notary really is. You may have heard of the word Notary in various governmental and even non-governmental organizations without having full knowledge of what office a notary has to occupy.
Before we unveil what package we have to give concerning the topic, What you need to know about Notary, lets briefly give you a quick insight of who a notary is.
A notary is an individual or a personnel whom the authority has been given by government to carry out or take charge in legal matters, specifically confirming signatories on documents.
Who is fit to become a notary?
From the public view, any person who is 18 years old and above and who also does not have cases that involves dishonesty and criminal cases felony conviction in the law court and who also resides in the state is fit to become a notary. However, some states do permit other states’ residents to apply as a notary in their states.
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Application processes to becoming a notary
The application process to becoming a notary is not as tedious as other work application. Some states do accept their application through mail, where you have to write them a mail and send it to their official mailing box, while some states accepts online application . However, each application process attracts different application fees.
What is the procedure to get my official notary seal (notary stamp)?
Most states require the use of a notarial seal, but some states have authorization forms to get your seal.
How do I get my notary commission paperwork?
Most states will mail this to you. Many states require you to file an Oath and Bond at a county recorder’s office, or some other government office in your area.
What notary acts do I need to know about?
Majority of states do allow notaries Acts which literally involves Acknowledgments, Jurats, Affirmations, Oaths, and Protests. While some states permit the use of Copy Certifications for some specific documents; including other specific notary Acts which point to some certain states.
Do I need to keep a journal of notarial acts?
Most states require a journal, but even if they don’t, you should keep a journal for your records in case you are called into court. A well maintained journal is evidence that can be used in court, or keep you out of court. You will not remember someone you notarized five years ago, so keep good notes in your journal if something strange happens at the notarization.
How do I identify signers?
Generally, a current drivers’s license, state identification card, or password will do. The ID should be a current government issued photo-ID with a physical description, signature, serial number, and expiration date. Other forms of identification might be allowed, so please visit your state’s notary division website to learn the details of your state’s rules.
Attaching certificates.
Notary acts such as Jurats and Acknowledgments require notarial paperwork to accompany the act. Oaths often do not require a certificate though. Notary certificates come in pads, and you simply fill out the certificate with information about the document and the signer, the date you notarized the document and a few other pieces of information — then you stamp the certificate paper, and staple it to the document.
The document itself might have the certificate on it which means that you do not have to attach a loose certificate.
Conclusion
In order to become a notary, you must be well prepared both mentally and physically. Honestly,becoming a notary can propel you to greater heights, it helps you to move forward in your career in diverse ways. Notably, as an employee, becoming a notary will aid and facilitate the streamlining of your employers process of getting documents notarized by having you in house instead of scouting or searching constantly for a notary.
Also, if you’re an entrepreneur, being able to notarize documents will attract customers who will appreciate being able to get everything done in one place instead of running all over town seeking for a notary service. You may also be interested in earning some extra money by being a notary on the side. Whatever is the brain behind your decision to become a notary, be rest assured that doing so will only help you, your customers, and/or your employer.
