How to Become a Notary: Schools, Salary, Cost, Requirements

Everyone wants to avoid legal problems. However, few people can escape it, especially when almost every agreement requires a legal process. You need a notary to help you create a fair agreement to avoid getting into legal issues. And if you don’t find one, you can learn how to become a notary.

According to Notarize, a power of attorney needs to be signed in front of a licensed notary public in order to be legally binding. The notary public is a representative of the state government, and their job is to verify the identity of the signer, ensure they are signing under their own free will, and witness the signing. 

So, throughout this article, we will establish core truths about becoming a notary, the best schools wherein you can study to become a notary, and every requirement you need to become one.

The table of content below generally covers all the areas of this conversation we will explore.

Who is a Notary?

A Notary also known as “Notary Public” is an official of integrity wherein the state government gives an appointment. Hence, this official has the core duty to serve the public as an impartial witness in addition to discharging a range of official fraud-deterrent functions associated with the signing of vital documents.

All official acts involving this witnessing are called notarizations or notarial acts. So, they are publicly commissioned as “ministerial” officials, which implies they adhere to certain rules without exercising vital personal discretion, which would be the case with a “judicial” official.

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What Does a Notary Do?

A Notary’s core objective involves screening the signatories of vital documents for their true identity and their preparedness to sign without coarseness. More so, they check their recognition of the document contents or transaction.

Many notarizations demand that a Notary must ensure the signatory goes under oath. This oath precisely involves proclaiming under penalty of perjury that the information contained in each document is true and correct. Whether it is a will, property deed or even power of attorney, a notary plays a key role in these areas.

To become a notary, you must selflessly express impartiality and high integrity. As a point of duty, a notary never involves himself in any of these matters wherein he has a personal investment or interest. In situations like that, another notary performs the duty.

Everyone trusts the notary to execute a smooth screening free of impartiality. And impartiality rules that a Notary should never refuse to serve a person because of tribalism, sexual orientation, religious inclination etc.

As a state official, when you become a notary, you fulfil the objective of processing vital documents that can change the lives of private citizens of any country.

Why Become a Notary?

For many people, their everyday job takes much time off them. It makes it very difficult for them to pursue other activities that can reward them financially. Indeed, this experience is painful and can be avoided.

A good part of becoming a notary ensures you possess another income channel. As you get signatories, each one pays you up to $10 as you sign. And this signing could reach hundreds in a day at certain periods. Imagine all the possibilities you have with this new stream.

Another amazing part of becoming a notary is the help you offer your community. People often cheat others when they don’t understand certain laws and processes. As a notary, you can protect members of your community when you help them fight and safeguard their rights.

While many people love to develop themselves on a personal level, the duty of a notary demands a lot of studying at flexible hours. As you learn more about the law and societal value system, you can build a system wherein you can start earning.

Generally, here are some core reasons why you should become a notary such as;

• Additional Income
• Flexible Schedule
• Helping the community
• Improve skillset

How Much does it cost to become a Notary?

If you want to know how to become a notary, you must also know how to calculate the costs required to fulfill that desire. As you may have predicted, the cost is not cheap, however, it is affordable.

According to Work Chron, it costs $150-$200 in order to become a notary. Indeed, it is a profession that costs you little to study and rewards you heavily afterward.

What is the Salary & Job Outlook of a Notary?

Due to their job descriptions, notaries don’t earn salaries. They earn per signatory they acquire at each point in time. You can earn as much as $2- $10 per signature as a notary. Just imagine you hook up 100 signatures in a day. We are talking about $1,000.

Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t have any data regarding the availability of jobs in the notary profession, citizens still require notaries to perform core functions that help them live their lives with ease.

How Long does it take to become a Notary?

If you want to become a notary, your state will greatly determine the length of time from which you can start studying to when you complete all your requirements in addition to being prepared for duty.

Generally, it takes about 4 weeks to complete a notary program. However, when there’s a need to write an exam, attend training and perform other obligations, you need about 7-9 weeks to complete it effectively.

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What is a Notary License?

Doctors are able to perform surgeries, consult and prescribe medication for their patients in any facility because of a license. Generally, a license is your proof of credibility and professionalism.

In the same vein, as a notary, your license puts you in a position wherein people require your assistance and competence. A notary without a license does not fit the description of a notary in any way.

What are the Requirements to Become a Notary?

While a few states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, and North Carolina require demand that every notary must undergo special training, other states prefer they leverage on vocational studies.

Generally, the requirements to become a notary vary from state to state, however, they have core similarities. Hence, they include;

• Applicant must be above 18 years
• Individual must have no criminal record
• Applicant must be a registered citizen of the state
• Applicant must read, write and understand English properly
• Every applicant must have a little knowledge of societal laws

Where Can I Get a Notary Training?

If you were looking for where you can pursue notary training, that place would be the Notary regulating agency in your state. In some states, local community colleges in some states also proffer Notary education.

Only a few organizations and vendors, such as the National Notary Association, provide education for Notaries too. Some vendors add practical information necessary for Notaries to learn how to perform their official duties.

You can start your notary training in either a classroom or online training.

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How to Become a Notary

If you want to know how to become a notary, this is just the place that best describes it. There are six steps you must fulfil if you want to venture this path which include;

• Meeting the state requirements,
• Completing the application fee,
• Get training from an approved education vendor,
• Complete a background check
• Getting the recommended tools of engagement,
• Taking an oath

#1 Meet the state requirements

Each state has different requirements in addition to the general requirements we listed in the above section.

The basic requirements for becoming a rotary include age restrictions, residency stipulations, valid driver’s license.
Additionally, you must also demonstrate the ability to speak and understand the official language.

#2 Complete the application fee

Once you meet the criteria, you can proceed and make your application. Ensure you use your official name to complete the application.

#3 Get training from an approved education vendor

Before you become a notary, there are some certain skills and laws that you need to master. The only way to build this knowledge would be to enrol in an approved education vendor. This will help you pass the state exam.

#4 Complete a background check

A very important part of this profession involves that you don’t have any criminal record. Hence, you should have a clean record to support your application.

Furthermore, most states require you to complete a fingerprinting and background check. This is to ascertain your credibility.

#5 Get the recommended tools of engagement

The two important components needed to function as a notary include a notebook and a public seal. The notebook allows you to record all the work you get done while the seal is necessary for stamping.

#6 Take an oath

When you make up your mind to venture on this path, you have to know that you will be asked to take an oath in person. This is done at the local county clerk’s office. However, you can choose to check with the secretary of state first.

Can I Train to Become a Notary Online?

Due to the pandemic, a lot of classroom meetings have become virtual meetings. So, a lot of programs that used to be only offline are now online and accessible to many people.

If you want to become a notary, you can pursue online training. This training will expose you to all the skills, necessities and every other thing you should know about this profession.

FAQs on How to Become a Notary

Conclusion

It’s generally not a bad idea to serve your community and get a reward for it. In fact, it’s splendid and everyone who is interested can contribute to it in many amazing ways.

As a notary, you help people fulfil their valid dreams in each and everything they do.

References

• Notarize – How to notarize a power of attorney
• National Notary – What Is a Notary Public?
• WorkChron – How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary?

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