Notary Public Underwriters Blog
What is a Notary?
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- Published: July 22, 2024
A notary public is appointed by their state’s commissioning authority (most commonly by the Secretary of State, Governor, Lt. Governor, or State Treasurer) to perform notarial acts. A notary acts as an impartial witness to the execution (signing) of a document.
Each state's notary laws specifically state which notarial acts they are allowed to perform; however, all notaries may take acknowledgments and administer oaths and affirmations. Other authorized notarial acts include copy certification, solemnizing marriages, taking depositions, and witnessing or attesting signatures. For example, a Florida notary is authorized to take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, make attested document copies, perform marriage ceremonies, supervise the witnessing of an electronic record, verify vehicle identification numbers (VIN), and certify contents of safe deposit boxes. Whereas a notary in Michigan is only authorized to take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, witness or attest signatures, and take verifications on oaths or affirmations.
Please check your state’s notary laws and rules to verify your authorized duties.
Who can be a notary?
While each state has different laws and rules governing who can be a notary, there are a few general requirements, such as residency, age (this is almost always at least 18 years of age), and the prohibition of certain criminal convictions (most often crimes involving dishonesty and most felony convictions). Other common requirements to become a notary include taking a notary education course as well as obtaining a notary bond.
How to become a notary?
How to become a notary varies by state. Most states are now accepting online applications, while some are still requiring a paper application. For more information on how to become a notary in your state, please contact our Customer Care Team at 800.821.0831 to have one of our team members point you in the right direction.
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