A Notary Public serves as an impartial witness, established by the state to deter fraud during the signing of legal documents. This public office verifies the identity of signers and ensures their willingness to execute a document, a practice foundational to commerce and law within Connecticut. The commissioning process is administrative and regulated, ensuring appointed individuals understand the legal obligations of this undertaking. Following state procedures allows one to obtain a commission and begin performing these legally significant acts.
Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
Connecticut General Statutes section 3-94b outlines the mandatory personal qualifications for a commission. An individual must be at least eighteen years of age to apply. Applicants must either maintain legal residency within Connecticut or hold a principal place of business or employment inside the state’s borders.
The state requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character, as the position involves public trust. Past convictions for felonies or crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude may lead to the denial of an application. Applicants must also be able to read and write in English, which is necessary to comply with the legal duties of the office.
The Connecticut Notary Application Process
The application process is managed primarily through the Connecticut Secretary of State’s eLicense online portal. Applicants begin by completing the official Notary Public Application form and preparing supplementary documentation. This includes a completed Jurat and Writing Sample form, which must be executed in the applicant’s own handwriting and notarized by an official authorized to administer an oath.
The application also requires a Certificate of Character form, typically completed by a reputable person who can attest to the applicant’s suitability for the office. Applicants must study the official Notary Public Manual, as the online application contains an integrated open-book examination that must be passed with a perfect score. The application must be submitted along with a statutory fee of $120.00.
Once the application is successfully processed, the Secretary of State issues a Certificate of Appointment via email. The applicant must next take an Oath of Office before an authorized official. The new Notary must record the certificate and the executed oath with the town clerk in the town of residence or principal business location within thirty days of issuance.
Understanding Notary Duties and Legal Limitations
A Connecticut Notary is authorized to perform several core functions, including administering oaths and affirmations, taking acknowledgments, and witnessing or attesting signatures (CGS 1-57). The notarial scope also includes completing copy certifications, a process where the Notary compares a copy to a presented original document and certifies its accuracy. Notaries cannot certify copies of vital records, such as birth or death certificates, or documents whose copying is prohibited by federal law.
The law sets clear boundaries for notarial practice. A Notary Public may not offer legal advice or represent any person in immigration matters unless they are a licensed attorney or authorized by federal regulation (CGS 3-95a). Notaries must avoid unreasonably refusing to perform a notarial act for an individual who meets all statutory requirements and tenders the proper fee.
Connecticut law caps the maximum fee a Notary may charge for any single notarial act at five dollars (CGS 3-95). An additional thirty-five cents for each mile of travel may be charged if agreed upon in advance. A Notary must verify the identity of every signer, typically through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence. Exceeding the maximum fee or failing to confirm identity are examples of official misconduct that can lead to disciplinary action.
Required Notary Equipment and Record Keeping
Connecticut law does not mandate the use of a seal or stamp, but it is a widely accepted professional practice and is highly recommended. If a Notary chooses to use a seal, it must contain their commissioned name, the words “Notary Public,” and “Connecticut.” If a seal is not used, the Notary must legibly print or stamp their name, the words “Notary Public,” and the commission expiration date near their signature on the document.
State law does not require a Notary to maintain a journal or record book for traditional, in-person notarizations. Keeping a detailed, tamper-proof journal is considered a best practice for risk management and liability protection. A journal provides a reliable record of every performed act, which can serve as evidence in the event of a legal challenge regarding a notarization.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Commission
The term of a Connecticut Notary commission is five years, with the expiration date noted on the Certificate of Appointment. To ensure uninterrupted service, the Notary must apply for renewal up to ninety days before the commission’s expiration date. Renewal involves submitting a simplified application and a $60.00 fee to the Secretary of State’s office.
If a commission lapses, the Notary may not perform any notarial acts. Renewal is possible within a ninety-day grace period following the expiration date. Commissions that expire beyond that ninety-day window require the individual to apply as a new applicant, necessitating the full application, forms, and the original $120.00 fee. Notaries must report any change in name or residence address to the Secretary of State within thirty days of the change.