Become A Notary Public
So, you’ve found this page via google, yahoo, or MSN, and you are wondering how to become a notary public, right? Well, look no further. I’ll go through the process in a general countrywide overview first, then we will look at each state individually. I will provide links to each state’s website where you can get more information on becoming a notary.
What is a Notary?
I’m often asked this question by friends and family who have never encountered a need for a notary public. My simple answer is this:
“A notary is a independent witness of the state who verifies your
identity and often will watch you sign certain legal documents such as wills,
affidavits, or home loans. Basically a notaries job is
to make sure you are who you say you are.”
Of course, this is a basic definition, and it varies state
to state, but at its roots, its pretty good. In some
states (
Notary Stamp
There is a plethora of places out there to get your notary stamp made once you obtain your commission. I would try your local yellow pages first. Always good to support local businesses, and the turnaround time will be quicker.
Notary Bond
Check out http://www.safeco.com/safeco/for_your_business/surety_bonds/notary.asp
Look pretty good. I get my bonds for my employees from a local insurance company.
Notary Insurance
Same thing as above. Shop around online.
Notary Public
Applications
Alabama Secretary of State - Notaries Public
Arizona Secretary of State - Notaries
Arkansas Secretary of State
California Secretary of State
Colorado Secretary of State - Licensing Center
Connecticut Secretary of State - Notary Public Manual
Delaware Secretary of State - Notary Public
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General - Notary Public Office
Idaho Secretary of State - Notaries and Apostilles
Illinois Secretary of State - Notary Services
Iowa Secretary of State - Notary Public
Kansas Secretary of State - Notary Public
Kentucky Secretary of State - Notary Public
Louisiana Secretary of State - Notary Division
Maine Secretary of State - Notaries
Maryland Secretary of State - Notary Division
Michigan Secretary of State - Notary & Document Certification
Minnesota Department of Commerce - Notary Public
Mississippi Secretary of State
Missouri Secretary of State - Commissions
Montana Secretary of State - Notary Information
Nebraska Secretary of State - Notary Division
Nevada Secretary of State - Notary Division
New Hampshire Secretary of State - Notaries
New Mexico Secretary of State - Notary Public
New York Department of State - Notary Public FAQ
North Carolina Secretary of State - Notary Public Section
North Dakota Secretary of State - Notary Services
Ohio Secretary of State - Notary Commission
Oklahoma Secretary of State - Notary Department
Oregon Secretary of State - Corporation Division
Pennsylvania Department of State - Notary Public
Rhode Island Secretary of State - Notaries Division
South Carolina Secretary of State - Notaries and Apostilles
South Dakota Secretary of State - Notary Public Handbook
Tennessee Secretary of State - Notary Commission Services
Texas Secretary of State - Notary Public Educational Information
Utah Lieutenant Governor - Notary Public Office
Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary
Washington Department of Licensing - Notaries Public
West Virginia Secretary of State - Notary Public
Wisconsin Secretary of State - Notary Public
Wyoming Secretary of State - Notaries Public