Many different insurance companies provide applications and education to those who want to become notaries. One such company that has been the industry leader for more than 50 years is the National Notary Association (NNA).

You can fill and complete the application online. The first step involves selecting the state wherein you wish to become a Notary. Becoming a member of the National Notary Association is one of the essential tasks that need to be done when you take charge of your office and start conducting the notarial acts.

Application to become a notary

To become a notary public, applications are available online. An applicant may choose to have the application mailed. Anyone whose age is more than 18 years and is a permanent resident of the said state is allowed to start the process of becoming a public notary.

Applicants who aren’t over the age of 18 can not apply. Though not all, some states even require notary education and luckily the instruction for the notary public is also available online. You will need to pay a fee for the application. Additional fees are assessed for supplies needed to fulfil the duties of a Notary.

Notary responsibilities

A notary is actually a public official appointed by the state to verify legal documents signing, administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgements, and maintain proper records of their duties.

Notary Bonding

Becoming a notary or renewing your current notary license requires by the state that you are bonded. A notary bond is called a surety bond issued by an insurance company via an insurance agency.

Many insurance companies employ a licensed insurance agent appointed to sell notary bonds by the insurance company that underwrites notary bonds. 

If a notary makes any mistake in notarizing a document, the insurance company becomes liable for the error. So even though you have a bond, the insurance company can still come after you for reimbursement of claim.

Errors and omissions insurance

This insurance is a notary’s protection if a mistake is made on a notarisation, and a claim is filed. Please note that an error and omission insurance is very different from a notary surety bond. The Errors and Omissions Insurance gives notary protection against compensation.

Criminal background check

A thorough and careful check of the applicant’s background is done while his or her application is being processed to look for any criminal record.

The state sectary office investigates applicants. The application of someone whose background doesn’t come clean during the investigation will be rejected straightaway.

Receiving your Commission

A notary applicant can not act as a notary public until he has received the certificate of appointment. A notary public’s license may be displayed as notification of a serving public official.