How to Become a Notary Public

A notary public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents, attests to the signature on documents, and administers oaths and affirmations [source: NJ Dept of Treasury]. He or she is expected to follow written rules without exercising personal discretion [source: National Notary Association]. What does it take to become a notary public?

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must be a resident of the state where you are applying, or have an official business or be a lawful alien in that state.
You must have a good moral character and reputation.
You must have a clean record. If you've ever been convicted of a felony or certain lesser offenses you cannot be a notary public.
You must be familiar with your state's notary law and may have to pass a state exam.
You must successfully complete all the application procedures.

Each state has its own requirements for becoming a notary. You'll have to satisfy any requirements set forth by your state before becoming a notary. For example, many states require notaries to be able to read, write and understand English. In several states, if you've been a notary, you can't have had your notary commission revoked for misconduct.

Once you are commissioned to become a notary public, you will have to take an oath of office. You will then be able to:

Administer oaths and affirmations
Take affidavits and depositions
Screen the signers of sensitive documents, like wills and property deeds
Ensure that signatures are obtained without intimidation or duress
Receive and certify proofs of deeds, mortgages and powers of attorney
Demand payment of bills of exchange and promissory notes [source: NY Division of Licensing Services]

A notary is an impartial servant who may never refuse to serve a person due to race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or politics [source: National Notary Association].

Affixation of the notary's signature and seal of office on a document certifies the notarization. The seal is the universally recognized symbol of the Notary office. Its presence gives a notarized document considerable weight in legal matters and renders it genuine in a court of law [source: National Notary Association].