mitrobeHow to Become a Notary Public: Everything You Need to Know
A notary public is an important position in a state or nation. As a notary public, you are responsible for verifying a company’s documents and identity signature. Also, a notary public witnesses the execution of local and international documents like transfers, sales, purchase agreements, etc.
However, not everybody can be a notary public; there are protocols you must follow and qualifications you must attain.
All persons seeking to become notary public must complete a Secretary of State-approved six-hour course. You must take this examination regardless of the position you have held in the past.
What are the Requirements to Become a Notary Public?
Below are the requirements you must fulfill to become a notary public.
- You must be 18 years of age or older (there is no maximum set age)
- You must be a legal resident of the state where you can operate in
- You must have a clear background
- Complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State
- You must write and pass the written examination slated by the
Secretary of State
- Clear a background check
Step-by-Step Procedure to Become a Notary Public
1. Complete Approved Education
To become a notary public, you must have completed the approved educational requirement, notary public education.
The Secretary of State reviews and approves all the courses included in the notary public education (Government Code section 8201.2.).
After approval, qualified notary education vendors are authorized and licensed to operate. Here is the list of the approved vendors of notary public education.
The notary public education aimed at:
- Provide the correct knowledge and training for all public notaries;
- Enables notary public to understand their duties and responsibilities
- Ensures standardized knowledge for all notary public; and
- Empower the notary public to know their rights and regulation of the law on the position to reduce complaints and lawsuits due to misconduct or negligence.
Upon completing the notary public education, you will be issued a Proof of Completion certificate, valid for two years starting from the day of issuance. If you did not pass the exam before completing your certificate, you would need to re-register and write the exam again. The notary public education is usually six weeks.
However, there is also a fresher course that runs for three hours that you can take.
It is also valid for two years.
Do note that if you are already a notary public seeking reappointment, you will have to undergo the notary public education and write the exam before their notary public commission expires.
2.Register for the Exam
Once you have your Proof of Completion certificate, the next is to register for the exam.
You can register for the exam by contacting CPS HR Consulting.
While going for the exam, ensure you take a notary public application and a Proof of Completion certificate. Staple your recent 2″ x 2″ color passport photo on your application.
3.Take the Exam
You must write to pass the exam if you seek an appointment as a public notary.
You can click on any of the links below to access the exam:
You are expected to bring the following while coming to write for the exam.
- A current photo identification
- A completed current Notary Public Application form;
- A 2″ x 2″ color passport photography
- The Proof of Completion certificate for the three-hour or six-hour approved education course.
- The registration confirmation letter
- An exam fee of $40.00 and an application processing fee. For those that previously took the exam and failed. You will be required to pay only a $20.00 exam fee.
- Payments are made to the Secretary of State. Please note that cash is not accepted while writing the exam at the site.
The exam results will be ready after 15 business days from the examination date. To pass the exam, you must have at least a score of 70%. Applicants who meet the minimum score will have their applications taken to the Secretary of State for processing.
4.Submit Fingerprints via Live Scan
To get to know the different Live Scan locations and business hours, click on the link; oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations.
While coming for the live scan, you are expected to bring the following:
- A completed Request For Live Scan Service (PDF)
- A valid means of photo identification
- A fingerprint processing fee, including an additional rolling fee.
5.Await Commission Packet
The notary public commission packet will be mailed once the application has been approved and the applicant has passed the background check.
The notary public commission packet includes the following:
- a cover letter with instructions;
- filing instructions;
- a notary public commission certificate;
- two Notary Public Oaths and Certificate of Filing forms;
- a Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture Notary Public Seals; and a list of Authorized Manufacturers of Notary Public Seals.
6. Purchase Notary Public Materials
A notary public is expected to purchase an official bond with the county clerk’s office within 30 calendar days from the commission’s commencement date of the commission.
A notary public can utilize any bonding or insurance company of their choice.
Also, a notary public is required to purchase a notary public journal. You can purchase the journal in any local stationary supply store. In purchasing a journal, go for the one with sufficient space to keep records of all your notarial acts.
7.File Notary Public Oath & Bond
Typically, a secretary of State authorized seal manufacturers is mailed with the notary public commission packet. These manufacturers are the only ways authorized to make notary public seals.
A notary public must file a bond and an oath of office with the county clerk’s office where your business is located, and here you’re a legal member.
The oath and bond should be submitted to the county clerk before the commission’s commencement date and filed before 30 calendar days, starting from the commencement date of the commission’s commencement.
Reasons Why You May Deny a Notary Public
Below are some of the reasons why you might be denied a notary public
- When you failed to disclose any past arrest or conviction
- When you have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude
- Incomplete or inconsistencies in the application form
- False financial statement
- Fraud involvement
- When found guilty of child molestation or pornography
- Possession of hard drugs/drugs trafficking
- Possession of an unregistered fireman
- Auto theft
- Cases of manslaughter, and so many more.
Conclusion
These steps might differ a bit depending on your state. It is advised that you consult the state’s secretary to know the exact protocol in your region before commencing any further.
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James steller
