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How to Become a Notary Public

By an eHow Contributor

Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Be at least 18 years old and an official resident of the state in which you want to be a notary. Things You'll Need:

2. Obtain the application for a notary commission from your state or from the nonprofit National Notary Notary Seals
Association (NNA). Note that each state has different eligibility criteria for its notaries. Visit the NNA Web site
at nationalnotary.org.
Notary Stamps

Notary Applications
3. Be prepared to pay a filing fee and, in most states, to post a bond before assuming the office. Go to the NNA
Web site for the individual state fees and bond requirements. Also check the site for your state's requirements
Register For Workshops
on written examinations and the fingerprinting of notaries.
Computers
4. Attend a workshop for prospective notaries to gain in-depth information about the law , ethics and special
situations. The workshops are usually held in community colleges and universities, and, in some states, in Online Career Search
hotels.

5. Send in your application after taking any required tests. Carefully follow instructions.

6. Take your oath of office in front of a notary public after you have been notified by the state that you have been approved to receive a notary commission.

7. Make certain you pay for your bond, if required, within the time specified by your state. Licensed insurance brokers obtain the bonds and help you file your
final paperwork.

8. Purchase your official notary seal after you have taken your oath. Many states also require the use of an official inked rubber stamp on documents.

9. Give your business cards to neighborhood businesses , including banks, lawyers and insurance companies. Your notary fees are subject to federal and
state income taxes, but not self-employment taxes.

Tips & Warnings

Write your name on the application exactly as you will sign it as a notary. Any variations are not permitted later on.

Realize that in Florida, Maine, South Carolina, and West Feliciana Parrish, Louisiana, a notary may perform civil marriages.

Remember that a notary public has a fixed term in office, the length of which depends on the state. The notary must apply to be reappointed.

Avoid liability problems as a notary by fully understanding your responsibilities and by never acting in a careless manner.

You may not become a notary if you are a convicted felon.

Be aware that dishonesty, immorality, or any civil or criminal offense will result in a suspension from office or disqualification to hold the office.

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How to Become a Notary Public | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_11155_become-notary-public.html

Comments
andyljohnson said
on 7/8/2010 NNA is a FOR profit company.

Ursula Anderson said

on 10/31/2009 Exactly the information I needed! Thanks for the links to the necessary websites! 5 stars.

Peggy Gillespie Hazelwood said

on 10/22/2009 Good information on becoming a notary public.

wpaterrov said
on 8/27/2009 This is a very informative article. I have learned a lot about notary signing and am now thinking about becoming a signing
agent in the future. Thank you.

Carolyn Blount Brodersen said

on 1/6/2009 This is a great article. Simple, factual and straight-forward. Perfect!

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