Notary Public Underwriters Blog
How do I know that a person claiming to be a notary really is one?
- Details
- Published: June 3, 2024
Most states maintain a web-based, publicly-accessible database of their notaries public, reflecting most or all of the information about a notary's current term of commission.
These state-maintained notary public databases deliver an important public service, allowing anyone to assess whether a person claiming to be a notary actually is one, operating under a current commission term.
For example, a person who has arranged to meet a notary for a notarial act can look up that notary's record in the appropriate database, observe the notary's name as commissioned and assure themselves that the notary is currently commissioned. Later, when actually meeting with the notary, the person may ask to see the notary's commission certificate, commission card or even the notary's official stamp for comparison to the information they reviewed in the official database.
To access a state's notary public database, try simple Internet search terms such as (for example) "Florida notary division" or "Florida notary public online records." Be sure that you are accessing the official, governmental database maintained by the notary's state commissioning authority or official records custodian, not a privately curated database.
Related Article(s)
Medallion Signature Guarantees Explained
What Do I Do With My Record Book (Journal) Entry When a Notarization Is Cancelled (Not Completed)?
May a Notary Correct Their Error or Omission on a Notarial Certificate?
How to Assess Signer Awareness or Coercion
What to Do When the Notary Certificate Is Missing?
How to Handle Out-Of-State Documents
Tips to Protect Your Notary Stamp and Journal