How to become a notary?

What’s a notary?

In the United States, a notary public is a person who certifies and attests to the authenticity of documents, takes depositions and affidavits, among other things. In the following article, we get to know about How to become a notary? So don’t skip the article from anywhere and read it carefully because it’s going to be very useful for you guys.

Notarial intervention increases confidence in legal documents and reduces fraud. Notaries are impartial witnesses that document grantors are what they say they are, and with this, they increase legal certainty. However, private documents being signed before a notary does not guarantee that the document’s content is valid.

The National Notaries Association notes that there are more than 4 million notary publics in the United States to become a notary.

What do you have to do to become a notary?

The general rule requires:

• Being over 18 years old.
• Have no criminal record.
• Be a resident of the state in question.
• Know how to read and write in English.

In the United States, you do not need to be a lawyer or a legal professional to become a notary public to become a notary. In other words, notaries cannot provide legal advice unless they are also lawyers.

Each state has its regulations. California, for example, is known for having very demanding requirements for notarization, while Vermont has fewer obstacles to becoming a notary.

• California. It requires applicants to take training and pass an exam. They must also submit a photograph, fingerprints to become a notary and $ 40 with their application. If the application is approved, the new notary will purchase a notarial stamp and give a guarantee bond of $ 15,000.
• Vermont. All that is required in Vermont is that the candidate purchase a notarized stamp to become a notary.

The authorization to be a notary in one state does not serve to be so in another form. So if a notary from Vermont moves to California, they will not be able to attest to the authenticity of documents in California publicly.

Differences between the US and Latin America

In Latin America, the appointment of notaries is a much more formal process to become a notary. So, in addition, the requirements to hold the position are more demanding.

In Mexico, for example, the notarial law requires the  following requirements  to exercise the public function of notaries:

• Be a law graduate.
• Have done an internship in a notary’s office.
• Have an excellent personal and professional reputation.
• Pass an exam.

Furthermore, Latino notaries public servants and prohibited them from working outside of their notary’s office. In other words, it is not possible for a trial lawyer to also fulfil the notarial function. You must choose only one occupation.

Therefore, in Mexico, there are only about 4 100 notaries. This also explains that notaries in Latin America usually charge for their services, while in the United States, they are generally free.

Where to get a notary in the USA?

It is common for banks to have a notarial service in each office to become a notary’s. If you have a bank nearby, it is a good idea to contact them and ask if they have a notary’s at your disposal. Banks usually provide notary’s services for free.

Additionally, states often have websites listing all authorized notaries with their contact information to become notaries.

Finally, if you are working with a lawyer and need notarization for some document on your case, the lawyer or someone in his office is likely a notary’s.

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