TES

Notary Public is a servant of the state government and those requiring a legal witness to legal documents such as living wills, depositions, certain financial statements and often non-verbal court testimony.

The duty of a Notary is to read all documentation and insure that it meets with legal standards as set forth by the originator, to place upon the document the Notary seal and forthwith the signature of the Notary, the date and to witness any co-signers of such documentation.

Notary seals are obtained through a state or county office and require the signature of a specifying official, usually the State Treasurer. The fee to become a Notary is minimal. A Notary may charged for the services for each individual requiring Notary services. Most Notaries keep their fees minimal at the suggestion of their state office in order for Notaries to be readily affordable.

To become a Notary, an application must first be obtained through a state agency usually located at the county seat. Once the application is completed by the individual wishing to become a Notary, it is then forwarded to the State treasury department where it is reviewed and approved. There may be a fee for this initial step. It is usually returned in the mail within a period of 30 days and must then be taken to the County seat for final approval and payment of Notary fee.

A Notary must keep their certification visible at all times when Notarizing any document or acting as witness. A Notary Seal can be purchased from a local office supply store or online. The seal is the guarantee of the legality of the witnessing of the document signing. The certification of a Notary expires every five years. So, it must then be renewed via the same process.

It’s always advisable for Notaries to obtain membership in the Notary Associations and Societies so that any changes to legal duties for Notaries is always available. It’s important to know all of the legal responsibilities of a Notary. If a document is not properly notarized, the Notary can be fined or lose their Notary certification.

Please visit the notary directory to find a notary near you.