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