To become a Notary Public, you do not need to attend a traditional college or university, as a specialized degree is not a prerequisite for the office. The position is a public official role commissioned by a state authority, typically the Secretary of State. Instead of formal academic schooling, nearly all states require applicants to complete state-mandated training and pass a qualifying examination. This mandatory instruction and testing process ensures competence in notarial law and procedure.
Is Formal Schooling Required to Become a Notary?
The commission is not dependent on a high school, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree. Becoming a notary is governed by state-specific statutes that focus on legal and ethical competency rather than academic credentials. This competency is verified through a structured process that involves specialized instruction designed to cover the specific duties and responsibilities of the office.
Many states require a set number of instructional hours before an applicant can take the official exam. California, for example, mandates a six-hour course of study for new applicants, while New Jersey requires a six-hour course and a subsequent examination. These programs, often available online, focus exclusively on the state’s Notary Public Act. Mandatory training and testing confirm an applicant is prepared to serve as an impartial witness and public officer.
Fundamental Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy a set of baseline prerequisites established by state law before beginning the procedural steps to obtain a commission. In nearly every state, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age. A core requirement is that the applicant must be a legal resident of the state in which they are applying, though some states allow non-residents to apply if they are employed within that state.
Applicants must also be able to read, write, and understand the English language to effectively perform their duties. The eligibility review involves a comprehensive background check, often including fingerprinting for review by state and federal authorities. Individuals are disqualified if they have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, such as theft or fraud, as this compromises the integrity required of the public office.
The Path to Commissioning: Training, Testing, and Application
The path to commissioning involves a series of procedural steps that ensure the applicant is prepared for the responsibilities of the role. In states like California and Nevada, the applicant must pass a state-administered written examination, with scores often requiring a minimum of 70% to 80%. This test verifies the applicant’s knowledge of the state’s notarial laws and procedures outlined in the mandatory training course.
Applicants must acquire a surety bond, which is a financial guarantee protecting the public against financial loss resulting from the notary’s mistakes or misconduct. The bond amount varies by state; California requires a $15,000 bond, while other states may require less. The applicant must then submit a formal application, often to the state’s Secretary of State, along with background check results and proof of passing the exam. The final step requires the applicant to take and file an official oath of office with the state or county authority, formally accepting the commission’s duties.
The Scope of Notarial Duties
As a state-commissioned public official, a Notary Public is authorized to perform specific acts intended to deter fraud in private and legal transactions. Core responsibilities involve serving as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and verifying the signer’s identity. This includes executing acknowledgments, where the signer declares they willingly signed the document, and administering oaths or affirmations, where the signer swears to the truthfulness of a document’s contents.
Notaries are also authorized to certify or attest to copies of certain documents, depending on state regulations. The role is strictly ministerial, meaning the notary focuses only on the act of notarization itself, not the document’s content. A fundamental limitation is the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law. A notary cannot offer legal advice, interpret the contents or implications of a document, or assist in drafting or selecting legal forms unless they are also a licensed attorney.
Practical Logistics: Costs, Supplies, and Renewal
Becoming a commissioned Notary Public involves several initial financial outlays that vary widely by state, generally including application and examination fees. For example, the total cost for application and testing in a state like Utah is approximately $95, not including the cost of the required training course. The required surety bond is an additional expense, with a four-year bond often costing around $50, depending on the bonding agency.
New notaries must purchase necessary supplies. These typically include:
- An official seal or stamp for applying the notarial information to documents.
- A journal or logbook to maintain a chronological record of all notarial acts performed.
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which provides personal liability protection beyond the surety bond for accidental errors.
Commissions are not permanent; they typically last four years. To maintain official status, the notary must complete a shorter refresher training course and re-apply.