| Notary Publics first became prominent during the | | | | For those interested in becoming a licensed notary, |
| 1500s, at the height of the Roman Empire. They | | | | there are three basic steps to follow: |
| were chosen either by the Pope, or the Archbishop | | | | First, fill out an application, providing your name, |
| of Canterbury to whom the Pope delegated | | | | address and other contact info. You will also answer |
| authority. During those years notaries were well | | | | questions regarding age, residency and any previous |
| versed in foreign languages, as well as the principles | | | | notary 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 the | | | | the application process, you can visit the National |
| U.S., thereby serving as witness to the signing of | | | | Notary Association website, Second, applicants are |
| documents and an administrator of oaths, does not | | | | next required to pay a fee to the commissioning |
| require special training or experience. It is a relatively | | | | authority. Finally, applicants must take an oath of |
| easy position to secure, in most cases only requiring | | | | office, which may be incorporated into the application |
| the candidate to pass a short test and undergo a | | | | or filed with a county clerk. |
| background check. With this in mind, the rights and | | | | There are other possible steps that may include |
| privileges accorded to a notary public do not extend | | | | taking an educational course, passing a test or |
| beyond the basic duties of an impartial witness. More | | | | obtaining a notary bond. These requirements vary |
| specifically, they are not permitted to give any form | | | | from state to state, therefore applicants are |
| of legal counsel, prepare legal documents or | | | | encouraged to consult their local official or contact |
| otherwise practice law. | | | | the National Notary Association for more info. |