The requirements to become a notary vary in each state. If you’re like many people who become a notary public, you want to add the service to your resume to make it easier to secure a job. Another reason is that your current job requires that you become a notary so that you can offer the services to the public. As a notary, you can work for yourself or for other companies, such as a car dealership, an attorney or a government office.
In order to become a notary, you need to read about the requirements for your state. In most situations, you have to be a resident of the state you want to work in and be at least 18 years old. Another requirement is that you can’t have a criminal record. However, if you can show that charges have been dismissed, then there are sometimes options available. You can also seek to have your record expunged so that the criminal history doesn’t show. There are a few states that will allow residents states that are nearby to be a notary, but these are few and far between.
Most states require some type of classwork and an exam before you can be certified to practice as a notary. There are also fees that need to be paid to the state. Your fingerprints are usually kept on file, and you need some type of government identification before getting your notary license. Some states only require that you purchase a notary stamp and seal package before practicing. This means that just about anyone can get the materials needed to become a notary and offer their services to people who are in need. This method can be risky. There isn’t any kind of bonding to protect you or the people you notarize documents for, so if something goes wrong, then you’re responsible. Most states require that you are bonded so that there is protection for yourself and the other person. Your notary license will only last for a certain period of time. It could be a year or a few years. If you want to continue as a notary, you need to fulfill the requirements to get the certification renewed.
