Become A Notary

Learn the role, duties, and responsibilities of the notary public in the United States. Discover how to become a notary and understand ID screening, notarial acts, and seals.

Discover how a notary public serves as an impartial, state commissioned witness to deter fraud. Trace roots from Roman times to the practice of preparing contracts as literacy spread.

As an impartial witness, a notary screens signers for identity, willingness, and understanding to deter fraud and uphold transaction integrity; notarization does not ensure legality or accuracy.

Learn notary public duties: avoid conflicts of interest, serve all impartially, and refrain from drafting or interpreting documents, as notaries are not legal professionals and fraud penalties may apply.

Master the path to becoming a notary public, including age and residency requirements, background checks, education or exams, filing for a commission, bond, and state-specific rules.

Learn identification screening basics to ensure the integrity of the notarial act. Verify signers in person by proper identification or credible witnesses, and keep a notary journal.

Learn how to manage a notary journal, protect signers’ personal information with a privacy guard, retain records for five years, use thumbprints for identification, and be prepared for court orders.

Become a notary covers notarial acts such as acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, duress, depositions, proofs of execution, copy certification, protests, safe deposit box openings, vehicle identification number verification, and marriages.