State notaries act as impartial witnesses during the signing of legal documents. They also witness and attest signatures and administer oaths and affirmations.
Notaries must check the signer’s identification, including a recent photograph, physical description, and signature. The process varies by state. Notaries must pass an exam and renew their licenses every four years.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state government employee who serves the public by witnessing document signings to lend credibility and an official designation. Commonly, these documents are essential financial paperwork for business or legal situations like divorce papers, property transfers, affidavits, and power of attorney transfer forms.
Notaries like the state notary Pittsburgh PA must undergo specialized training and have an exam to obtain their commission, which can last for years (although law students and licensed attorneys may not need to take the exam). They are generally required to run background checks before accepting new clients, and they keep a journal of notarial acts that include critical details like who signed what, how, and when.
The National Notary Association is an excellent resource for professionals to stay current on best practices and laws in their respective states. It also offers a directory that allows you to search for notaries in your area. It is generally permissible for a notary to travel across state lines. Still, you should check that your notary has a valid commission in the destination state before engaging in any notarizations there.
How to Become a Notary Public
The process of becoming a Notary Public varies by state. You will need to check with your Secretary of State to figure out what the process is like. In most cases, you must apply and pay a fee. You may also need to take a training course or pass an exam. You will also likely need a surety bond and buy Notary supplies.
A surety bond covers any damages from wrongdoing committed by a Notary. It protects consumers in the event of fraud, and the cost varies by state.
Then, you will need to take and pass the state Notary exam. It is a one-hour, closed-book exam based on the Notary Public License Law.
How to Get a License to Be a Notary Public
To become a notary public, you must satisfy the state’s eligibility requirements and follow its commissioning process. This will generally involve filling out an application, paying the state’s application fee, taking a training course or passing an exam, and filing a bond and oath of office. Some states may also require a background check and errors and omissions insurance.
In New York, you can apply to be a notary online at the Department of State’s website.
You cannot be commissioned as a notary if you are a non-citizen, a convicted draft dodger, or have an unsatisfactory criminal record. You also must be a resident of the county where you wish to work. Documents that need notarization include wills, power of attorneys, deeds, and affidavits. Banks, such as Citizens, typically provide notary services, but you can also find them in many other locations, including UPS Stores and libraries.
Where Can I Get a Document Notarized?
Most banks have notaries on staff and are usually willing to notarize any document for free for their customers. They can also typically provide a Department of State authentication, which may be needed for international use, at an additional cost.
Generally, a notary will ask to see a form of photo identification that includes a signature and physical description, like a driver’s license or passport. Depending on the document, the notary may also put the signer under oath.
Some banks also offer remote online notarization. With this service, you connect with a notary via audio and video chat to witness the document’s signing with wet ink. The notary then stamps it with their official seal and returns it to you. This was popular during the coronavirus pandemic as it allowed people to continue business as usual while limiting the spread of the virus. It’s now becoming more common. A law firm that offers notary services is another option, though you’ll likely pay more for this service.