What does a notary public do?
A notary public is a state-commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, helping to deter fraud. Core duties include verifying signers' identities, confirming they are signing willingly and knowingly, administering oaths and affirmations, and completing the proper notarial certificate. Becoming a notary involves an application and commission process set by each state.
Notarial acts and rules
The most common notarial acts are the acknowledgment (the signer declares they signed willingly) and the jurat (the signer swears to the truth of a document and signs in the notary's presence). Notaries must require satisfactory evidence of identity (usually a current government photo ID, or credible witnesses), keep records, and avoid prohibited acts such as notarizing without the signer present or in a transaction where the notary has a beneficial interest.
State requirements and exams
Notary requirements vary widely by state. Some states require a written exam and/or a training course; others do not. Many require a surety bond, an application fee, and a notary seal. The exam, where required, covers notarial acts, identification, recordkeeping, fees, jurisdiction, prohibited acts, and the state's notary law. Confirm your state's specific requirements before applying.
How to study
If your state requires an exam, study your state's notary handbook and law, which define your authority and duties. Focus on the difference between acknowledgments and jurats, identification standards, journal/recordkeeping rules, allowable fees, and prohibited acts. Practice questions reinforce these rules, which are the heart of any notary exam.