How to Become a Notary

The journey to becoming a notary is one that been trekked for thousands of years. The notary profession has its roots in Roman law, and the need for this duty-bound and honored public official is still strong today. Becoming a notary is an important process from which you can launch a viable career. In the United States, notaries perform a wide range of duties from overseeing the signatures of legal and financial documents to taking oaths and depositions.

Find your state's notary requirements.

Typically, you must be a resident of the state in which you want to be a notary and at least 18 years old. Most states only require an application and a fee, while others require that applicants take a course and pass an exam. Visit your state's Department of State website to find its requirements for notaries.

Take a notary course.

Take a notary education course even if your state does not require you to do so. You are financially liable for everything you do in your capacity as notary. Being well-educated about the laws governing notaries in your state is added protection from lawsuits.

Fill out the notary application.

The application should be available for downloading from your state's Department of State website. Most states charge a small fee for processing the application.

Surety bonds versus insurance policies

You'll be overseeing important legal and financial documents. If a mistake results in a financial loss to any party involved in a notarization, you may be financially liable. For this reason, some states require that you have a surety bond.

Think of a surety bond as a co-signer. If you are found liable for financial losses resulting from your mistake, you still have to pay. Just like with a loan co-signer, if you default the surety company will be liable for the debt.

Errors and omissions insurance, however, is just that: insurance. A portion of your premiums goes into a pooled fund to pay for claims. If you are held liable and are required to pay restitution, an errors and omissions insurance policy will protect the future of your business.

Once you have fulfilled your state's requirements for becoming a notary, you can send in the application form, fee and any supporting documentation required. Once you are approved to become a notary in your state, you may have to take an oath of office swearing that you will perform your duties with due diligence. When the state's grants you a notary certification, you can purchase the necessary supplies, which usually include a stamp and ledger. With your stamp and ledger in hand, you are ready to begin your career as a notary.

Visit your Department of State to find requirements for notaries