The Notary Public is an ancient office whose principal duty is to witness the signing of important documents and to administer oaths. Notaries are appointed by state governments and sworn into office by a Dedimus Justice. A Notary doesn’t give legal advice or prepare documents. Their duty is to certify the identity of the signer of a document. This Web Guide is designed for those who are interested in learning about the office of the Notary Public and how to become a Notary Public. This guide also explores the laws that govern Notaries as well as organizations that promote this office.

ARTICLES

The History of A Notary

This is great on-line article concerning the history of the Notary. Dr. Jacqueline O’Neal who is an Associate Professor of Business Law at Northeast Louisiana University wrote this article and discusses the early stages of Notaries from the Roman Empire to the history of Notaries in Europe, as well as the importance of the Notary in the United States. This is a great article for background information and is also linked to the Louisiana Notary Associations webpage, which provides numerous links to concerning Notaries.

Interview with a Notary

This on-line article is found at the Law Connection Website. This an informative article that talks about the history of the Notary, why a person uses a Notary instead of a Lawyer, a day in the life of a notary and also discusses the future of notaries. This article is provides excellent background information for anyone wishes to become a notary.

Digital Notary

From the on-line journal called I-Street, News & Networking for the New Economy, this article is entitled “e-Signs of the Times, Digital Signatures Raising New Legal Conundrums. This article discusses the new type of notary called the “digital notary public” and how new questions have been raised in certifying electronic documents.

REGULATIONS

U.S. Department of State

This section of the U.S.Department of State’s website is entitled International Judicial Assistance, Notarial Services and Authentication of Documents. This website discusses the notarial functions and authentication of documents for American citizens abroad, the procedures for getting documents notarized and who has the authority to do so in other countries. This website also has links to Notarial Associations.

Maine State Regulations

The laws that govern the office of the Notary Public in Maine fall under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 4: Judiciary, Chapter 19. This direct link to the statutes, contains all sections of Chapter 19, which discusses the responsibilities of a Notary, how to maintain records, a Notary’s authority to administer oaths as well as the guidelines for the resignation or removal of a Notary from office.

South Carolina Regulations

The laws that govern the office of the Notary Public in South Carolina can be found in Title 25 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina. This link will take you directly to Title 26, which discusses the appointment and term of a Notary, the application process as well as the rules concerning the oath and seal of the office. This site will also take you back to the Code of Laws main page for easy reference to additional sections of the South Carolina Code.

STATE RESOURCES

Maine Notary Public

The Maine Department of the Secretary of State has developed a section devoted to Notaries in the State of Maine. At this website are the required application forms to apply for appointment as a Notary, an on-line Notary handbook, as well as the qualifications needed to be a Notary Public in the State of Maine. A unique characteristic of Maine Notaries is that they can officiate at weddings. This website is the premier place for information on becoming a Notary in Maine.

South Carolina Notary Public

The Secretary of State’s Office in South Carolina is responsible for commissioning Notaries in South Carolina. This website describes the duties of a Notary, instructions on how to become a Notary as well as fees and forms associated with the office.

All States Requirements

This website is put together by the National Notary Association and has a link on how to become a Notary in every State of the United States. Simply click on the name of the State you would like information about and this site will list the age requirements, qualifications and instructions on how to become a Notary Public in that state. This website also has links to U.S. Jurisdictions such as American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ASSOCIATIONS

American Society of Notaries

The American Society of Notaries is an association that promotes Notaries within the United States. This website has links to seminars and news affecting the Office of the Notary. 

Notary Law Institute

This association has been in place for over twenty years and provides training seminars, self-study courses, publishes a magazine entitled The Notary, as well as a Notary Public Encyclopedia, which contains thousands of entries on Notary topics. This site also offers links to Notary supply companies, which offer many products such as seals, record books and stamps.

DIRECTORIES

Nationwide Notary Search

This website is run by Notary-Services.com and serves as a business tool for Notaries and as search site for the public. For a fee, Notaries register their name and information into the site’s database. The public can then search for a Notary Public by simply entering the state or zip code where a Notary is needed and a listing of Notaries in the specified area will appear. Currently, there are 25,000 notaries registered with this site.

American Notary Network

The American Notary Network provides a listing of mobile Notaries throughout the United States. The Notaries in this database are those who are willing to travel and bring their services to clients. For a fee, the mobile Notaries register with the site. Interested clients put in their zip code and a list of mobile Notaries in their area will be generated.

Site last updated on July 4, 2002.
Questions or comments can be directed to Karen Darling