Notary Public

In this section, we'll talk about the history of the notary public, the role of a notary public, and how to become a notary public.

As a court reporter, you will most likely be required to become a notary public in your state. A notary public is a state-commissioned agent whose purpose is to provide impartial third-party verfication of signed legal documents in order to deter fraudulent forgers, imposters, and the prevention of altered documents.

You will also be commissioned to administer oaths by swearing or affirming individuals in official proceedings.

A notary public is the oldest professional legal service in the history of the world, dating back to ancient Roman times. Scribes were responsible for transcribing Senate proceedings, supplying legal forms and performing secretarial duties to magistrates and Emperors.

Role of the Notary Public

As a notary public, you are required to:

1) Verify the identities of those parties present who are signing the documents. Persons signing documents must be in your presence.

2) Verify that the identities of those parties present signing the documents are doing so without coercion and are capable of comprehending the content and purpose of the document.

3) Sign your name and affix your seal, as required, to original signed documents to ensure the original document has not been tampered with and is complete and genuine.

4) Maintain an official journal of all notarial acts (if required by your state). Some states require that you keep a record for a certain period of years. This is to maintain and preserve evidence of parties to the transaction, type of document, date/time, and other pertinent details. Each state has its own requirements, and you should research your state's requirements for an explanation of your responsibility. Notary public journals and records may be subject to subpoena by law enforcement and the courts.
How to Became a Notary Public

Again, each state has specific statutes regarding eligibility and requirements to become a notary public. For example, in North Carolina, the basic requirements are:

1) You must be 18 years of age.

2) No minimum residency required.

3) You must pass a state exam, unless you are a licensed member of the North Carolina State Bar.

4) You must be endorsed by an elected official or notary course instructor.

5) You must complete training course; signature of applicant must be notarized. You must speak, read, and write the English language and possess a high school diploma or equilavent.

6) Your commission is good for five years, renewable at the end of that term.

7) An initial state filing fee is $50 and is sent to the Secretary of State's office.

8) No bond is required of a notary in North Carolina.

9) A seal is required, such as an embosser or inked stamp.

10) Jurisdiction is statewide.

11) A journal is not required, but is recommended by the state.

Once an applicant is approved, the commission is mailed to the applicant's county, and a copy of the commission is sent to the applicant. The applicant will present a letter to the Register of Deeds of his or her county to take the oath of office. Your appointment is not valid until the oath of office is administered, and your seal should be ordered upon completion of the oath.

Along with the profession of court reporting, banking, and mortgage lending, there are other opportunities for the notary public, including becoming a notary signing agent or a mobile notary.

The National Notary Association has notary eligibility requirements for each individual state in the US. The National Notary Association offers a complete map of the United States where you can simply click on your state and find the current requirements for becoming a notary.