What is a Notary Public and How to Find One?

A Notary Public is a public official who is authorized to perform certain legal acts, such as witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying documents. A notary public is appointed by the state government and serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important legal documents. A notary public is an essential resource for anyone who needs to have legal documents certified or authenticated.

To become a notary public, one must typically meet certain qualifications, such as being at least 18 years of age, being a legal resident of the state, and passing a background check. In addition, notaries must typically complete a training program and pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge of the notarial laws and procedures.

Once a person has been appointed as a notary public, they can offer their services to the public. Notaries are commonly found at banks, law firms, and other professional offices. However, notaries may also work independently and offer their services to individuals who need their documents authenticated or certified.

Finding a notary public is relatively easy. Many banks, law firms, and other professional offices have a notary public on staff, and may offer notary services for free or at a nominal fee. In addition, many online notary services have emerged in recent years, offering a convenient and affordable way to have documents authenticated from the comfort of one's home or office.

When looking for a notary public, it's important to ensure that they are authorized to perform the specific service you need. For example, if you need a notary to witness the signing of a will or other important legal document, you should look for a notary who is authorized to perform that service.