When you are looking to become a notary public, there are several things you need to know. Some states require a certain amount of training, while others only require that you pass an exam.
Becoming a notary is an excellent career choice. It provides flexibility to work on your schedule and is a great way to earn extra money.
Exam
The exam required to become a notary public is one of the most challenging exams in the United States. Only candidates with a 70 percent or higher score can pass the New York State examination and be appointed as a notary public.
As of 2012, 14 states require applicants to take an examination before they can be appointed as a notary public. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah and the District of Columbia.
In addition, Kansas and Nevada only require an examination for those who wish to notarize electronic documents.
After passing the exam, you must purchase notary public-specific materials, including an official journal or record book and a notary seal. For instance, to become a notary Illinois, the state may take five to eight weeks to issue your Notary commission.
Requirements
The requirements to become a notary vary from state to state, but in general, you need to be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of your state and free from felony convictions. In addition, some states require you to take an exam, complete a background check, and fingerprint.
To become a notary, you must apply through the secretary of state and pay an application fee. The filing fees vary from state to state but can be as low as $20 or as high as hundreds of dollars.
You must also pass a notary examination and get training from a state-approved vendor. Some states offer training online, while others do not.
In addition, you need to keep a journal and record all notarial acts performed. It should include the date and time, type of act, document description and signatures. It should be maintained for at least ten years from the transaction date.
Training
Aspiring notaries public must complete formal training before they can be commissioned. This is done in person or online. It includes instructions on the duties of a notary public and the laws related to the job.
Newly commissioned notaries must take and pass a three-hour notary public exam. This test is administered at a testing center and can be taken by anyone who meets the state’s eligibility requirements.
You must be 18 and have no prior felony convictions to become a notary. You must also have lived or worked in the state for at least 6 months before applying to become a notary.
This course will help you understand the legal duties of a notary public and how to conduct notarizations safely and effectively. The course includes seven lessons and three interactive 40-question practice exams.
Bond
In most states, you’ll need a bond to become a notary. These bonds provide a layer of protection for notaries from liability incurred by improperly notarizing.
A bond is a type of debt issued by governments, corporates and municipalities to raise funds for projects like roads, dams and schools. When the bond matures, investors receive back the original amount they loaned and interest payments.
Buying bonds can be a good investment for fixed-income investors, especially in an environment of rising interest rates. But you must ensure the type you choose makes sense for your needs.