If you have ever needed to have a document legally certified, you have likely worked with a notary public. These individuals perform an essential function in society and perform a variety of roles as part of their work. A notary public is a person with the authority to witness and administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits, certify documents, and collect signatures in the course of their work.
What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public is an official who can certify documents and make critical decisions under the law. Unlike lawyers and judges, notaries have the power to certify legal documents and make non-binding decisions.
The state government usually appoints notaries. A notary public must follow strict rules to keep their job, so they’re often considered trustworthy and reliable sources of information.
What Are Notary Public Stamps?
Notary public stamps are particular types of seals that notaries use to authenticate documents. Notaries public must keep the stamp in their possession, so they often carry these stamps with them. Notaries can use different notary public stamps for authenticating different documents.
Notaries are required by law to make sure the documents they are stamping are valid, so using these stamps guarantees that a document is legitimate.
How Does Someone Become a Notary Public?
Becoming a notary depends on local laws, but there are some national standards as well. In general, it can take as little as six months or as many as two years from the date of application to become a notary public.
The time required depends on how long one studied for their exams and whether they had any background in notarial practice before applying for notary public status. One must possess proper identification with proof of residency and pass the required exams.
How Much do Notary Publics Earn?
Notaries public earn a salary of $15,000 to $100,000 depending on where they live and their responsibilities. Notaries who work for the government or a county court can sometimes earn more money than notaries working in other fields.
A notary public must have insurance before officially starting their job, so they must know what kind of coverage comes with their salary package.
As you can see, notaries are public officers who provide their signatures and seal to authenticate the execution of documents. Though notaries never actually sign a document, they act as witnesses to transactions by witnessing signatures or seals on crucial legal documentation.
