How to become a Notary Public?
1 Answer(s)
Top Answer
Talent.com 
Answered July 12 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
So, you want to become a Notary Public but do not know where to begin. For starters, as aspiring professionals in this area of expertise, you should keep in mind that the exact qualifications for who can become a Notary differ from state to state. It would help if you considered doing some preliminary research before setting your sights on this career path, as some states require training.
Required training courses typically run from 3 to 6 hours. Any optional training you may pursue may fall outside of these guidelines. Becoming a Notary Public can take somewhere between 7-9 weeks, and if the regulations in your state are minimal, only four weeks.
As far as minimum requirements go, Notary Public applicants must be 18 years old and a legal resident of the state with no criminal record. You will need to look into training if required and weigh in on the expenses for training or application filing fees which can run anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars. There are other expenses to consider, such as the cost to take your examinations, background screening fees, and any supplies you might need.
There is also a fee associated with the cost of obtaining your bond if securing one is applicable in your state. A bond is necessary for notaries to ensure that you protect the public from financial harm in the event you, the Notary, make a mistake or omission, or perform a wrongful act in notarizing a document that causes any personal financial harm. Once again, be sure to research the cost of obtaining your bond and the procedures required by your state or the region you wish to practice.
What can help you become a Notary Public
To become a Notary Public professional, you may want to consider the following steps:
Required training courses typically run from 3 to 6 hours. Any optional training you may pursue may fall outside of these guidelines. Becoming a Notary Public can take somewhere between 7-9 weeks, and if the regulations in your state are minimal, only four weeks.
As far as minimum requirements go, Notary Public applicants must be 18 years old and a legal resident of the state with no criminal record. You will need to look into training if required and weigh in on the expenses for training or application filing fees which can run anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars. There are other expenses to consider, such as the cost to take your examinations, background screening fees, and any supplies you might need.
There is also a fee associated with the cost of obtaining your bond if securing one is applicable in your state. A bond is necessary for notaries to ensure that you protect the public from financial harm in the event you, the Notary, make a mistake or omission, or perform a wrongful act in notarizing a document that causes any personal financial harm. Once again, be sure to research the cost of obtaining your bond and the procedures required by your state or the region you wish to practice.
What can help you become a Notary Public
To become a Notary Public professional, you may want to consider the following steps:
- Meeting the minimum age requirement of 18 years, having no criminal record, and legal residency in the state you wish to practice.
- Researching prerequisites and qualifications in your region.
- Completing Notary Public training and any required examinations, if applicable.
- Obtaining a background check where and if applicable in your region.
- Filing your application to become a Notary Public and paying any associated fees.
- Obtaining supplies needed to practice in your area, which may include certificates, a seal for stamping certificates, and a journal for keeping a record of your notarizations, and finally,
- Obtaining your surety bond and liability insurance, if applicable.
