Notaries public are appointed by state governments to serve as impartial witnesses in the signing of important documents and to administer oaths.
In this article, we will explore the duties and responsibilities of a notary public and the skills and qualifications needed for this role.
We will also discuss the steps involved in becoming a notary public and the job outlook for this profession. So, let’s get started!
Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a notary public include the following:
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Taking and authenticating acknowledgments and proof of execution of documents
- Administering and taking depositions
- Attesting to the authenticity of copies of documents
- Certifying and authenticating documents for use in foreign countries
- Performing marriage ceremonies (in some states)
- Performing other duties as authorized by state law
Notaries public are required to be neutral and impartial and must not provide legal advice or prepare documents for the parties involved.
They are responsible for verifying the parties’ identity and ensuring that they understand the documents they are signing. They must also maintain accurate records of their notarial acts.
Notary Public Job Requirements
The job requirements for a notary public vary by state but generally include the following:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being a resident of the state in which they are applying or maintaining a place of business in the state
- Having a clean criminal record
- Completing a state-approved notary education course (in some states)
- Passing a written examination (in some states)
- Obtaining a surety bond (in some states)
- Applying for and being commissioned as a notary public by the state government
In some states, being a member of a professional organization, such as the National Notary Association, may be required or preferred for a notary public position.
Notary Public Skills
Some required job skills for a notary public position include:
- Attention to detail: Notaries public must be able to accurately and thoroughly review and understand documents and accurately record information.
- Communication skills: Notaries public must communicate with the parties involved effectively, explain the document being signed, and answer any questions they may have.
- Interpersonal skills: Notaries public must be able to build relationships of trust with the parties involved and handle sensitive and sometimes emotional situations.
- Integrity: Notaries’ public must be honest, impartial, and trustworthy and not provide legal advice or prepare documents for the parties involved.
- Organizational skills: Notaries public must be able to manage their time effectively and maintain accurate records of their notarial acts.
- Familiarity with state and federal laws: Notaries public must thoroughly understand the laws and regulations related to their duties and responsibilities.
- Computer skills: Notaries public may be required to use computer software to complete and maintain records and communicate with clients and other industry professionals.
- Flexibility: Notaries public may be required to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends, depending on the needs of their clients.
Notary Public Salary
The yearly salary of a notary public can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and workload. In general, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for notaries public in the United States is $37,600. However, some notaries may earn significantly more or less than this amount.
Notaries who work in high-demand areas or for large corporations may be able to command higher salaries than those who work in smaller towns or for themselves. Additionally, notaries who offer specialized services or who have established a strong reputation may be able to charge higher fees for their work.
Overall, the salary of a notary public can be a good source of income, particularly for those who enjoy working with legal documents and providing valuable services to their clients.
Notary Public Work Environment
The work environment for a notary public can vary depending on their specific employer and location, but it is generally an office setting. Notaries public may work in a variety of settings, such as law firms, banks, real estate offices, or as independent contractors.
The work environment may involve interacting with clients and other industry professionals regularly, either in person or via phone or email. Notaries public typically work regular business hours, although some positions may require flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the needs of their clients.
The work environment may be fast-paced and deadline-driven, as notaries public are responsible for completing notarial acts on time. Attention to detail and accuracy are important in this role, as errors in notarization can have serious consequences.
Notary Public Trends
There are a few trends that may impact notary public positions:
- Increased use of technology: Technology such as electronic notarization platforms, online document storage, and video conferencing are changing the way notaries public perform their duties. These tools can help notaries public remotely verify the identity of parties, authenticate documents, and communicate with clients.
- Growth of e-commerce: The increasing popularity of online transactions is driving demand for notaries public to authenticate and certify documents for use in online business.
- Emphasis on professionalism: As the role of notaries public becomes more specialized and regulated, there may be a greater emphasis on professional development and certification for notaries public.
- Changes in notarial laws and regulations: As states adopt new laws and regulations related to notarization, notaries public may be required to complete additional training or certification.
- Increased use of data analytics: Notaries public may be expected to have some familiarity with data analysis tools and techniques and be able to use them to inform their decision-making and reporting.
Related: Notary Public Resume Example & Writing Guide
How to Become a Notary Public
Here are the steps you can take to become a notary public:
- Meet the basic qualifications: To become a notary public, you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state in which you are applying or maintain a place of business in the state. You must also have a clean criminal record.
- Complete any required education and training: Some states require notaries public to complete a state-approved notary education course and pass a written examination.
- Obtain a surety bond: Some states require notaries public to obtain a surety bond, which is a type of insurance that protects the public from losses caused by notaries public.
- Apply for a commission: To become a notary public, you must apply for a commission from the state government. The application process typically involves completing an application form, providing proof of your qualifications, and paying a fee.
- Purchase a notary seal: Most states require notaries public to have a notary seal used to authenticate documents.
- Renew your commission: Notary public commissions are typically valid for a specific period of time, after which they must be renewed. The renewal process may involve completing additional education or training, paying a renewal fee, and submitting a renewal application.
- Stay up to date on laws and regulations: Notaries public need to stay up to date on state and federal laws and regulations related to their duties and responsibilities. This may involve completing continuing education courses or attending professional development events.
Notary Public Advancement Prospects
Advancement prospects for a notary public may be limited, as the role is generally entry-level and does not typically involve a career ladder. However, some notaries public may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as real estate or immigration, or may choose to start their own notary business.
To increase your chances of advancement, it is important to focus on developing your skills and knowledge and to take advantage of any training and development opportunities. It is also a good idea to be proactive in seeking new challenges and responsibilities and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Joining a professional organization, such as the National Notary Association, may also provide professional development and networking opportunities.
Notaries public may also choose to advance their careers by pursuing additional education or certification in related fields, such as law or business. This may involve earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree and passing a professional certification exam.
Notary Public Job Description Example
Here is an example job description for a notary public position:
Title: Notary Public
Reports to: Manager/Supervisor
Job Summary:
The Notary Public is responsible for performing notarial acts, such as administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, and attesting to the authenticity of documents. The notary will verify the identity of the parties involved, ensure that they understand the documents they are signing, and maintain accurate records of their notarial acts. The notary will also provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform notarial acts, such as administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, and attesting to the authenticity of documents
- Verify the identity of the parties involved and ensure that they understand the documents they are signing
- Maintain accurate records of notarial acts
- Provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional demeanor at all times
- Follow state and federal laws and regulations related to notarization
- Use computer software to complete and maintain records, as well as to communicate with clients and other industry professionals
- Work a variety of shifts, including evenings and weekends, depending on the needs of clients
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- At least 18 years old
- Resident of the state in which you are applying or maintain a place of business in the state
- Clean criminal record
- Completed a state-approved notary education course (in some states)
- Passed a written examination (in some states)
- Obtained a surety bond (in some states)
- Commissioned as a notary public by the state government
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping
- Familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations related to notarization
- Computer skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
