How to Become a Notary Public

Notary Publics first became prominent during theFor those interested in becoming a licensed notary,
1500s, at the height of the Roman Empire. Theythere are three basic steps to follow:
were chosen either by the Pope, or the ArchbishopFirst, fill out an application, providing your name,
of Canterbury to whom the Pope delegatedaddress and other contact info. You will also answer
authority. During those years notaries were wellquestions regarding age, residency and any previous
versed in foreign languages, as well as the principlesnotary commissions held. (Application procedures vary
and practices of law.from state to state. For more information regarding
On the other hand, becoming a notary public in thethe application process, you can visit the National
U.S., thereby serving as witness to the signing ofNotary Association website, Second, applicants are
documents and an administrator of oaths, does notnext required to pay a fee to the commissioning
require special training or experience. It is a relativelyauthority. Finally, applicants must take an oath of
easy position to secure, in most cases only requiringoffice, which may be incorporated into the application
the candidate to pass a short test and undergo aor filed with a county clerk.
background check. With this in mind, the rights andThere are other possible steps that may include
privileges accorded to a notary public do not extendtaking an educational course, passing a test or
beyond the basic duties of an impartial witness. Moreobtaining a notary bond. These requirements vary
specifically, they are not permitted to give any formfrom state to state, therefore applicants are
of legal counsel, prepare legal documents orencouraged to consult their local official or contact
otherwise practice law.the National Notary Association for more info.