A notary public, also simply known as a notary, is someone publicly commissioned to impartially witness and validate the signing of various important documents. Some common documents that require a notary’s authentication include legal affidavits, commercial leases, passport applications, mortgage documents and others. The official acts the notary performs are called notarizations.

As a public official, the notary is required to be impartial. Impartiality means that the notary is not influenced by self-interest and does not discriminate based on race, gender, nationality, religion, politics or other such categories.

Why are notaries important?

There are two main purposes to notarization: deterring fraud and establishing that the signer is a willing participant in the transaction they’re signing for.

A notary will generally ask the signer for photo identification before the signing. In some cases, they may put the signer under an oath. If there is evidence of fraud or the notary is uncertain about the signer’s identity, they can refuse to authenticate the document.

How to become a notary

Notaries must live in the state where they are licensed — as such, the steps to become a notary vary from state to state. In all states, to qualify to become a notary you must be at least 18 years old, be a legal resident of the state and have no felony convictions.

The general process of becoming a notary is:

  1. Fill out an application through the state.
  2. Pay the state’s application fee.
  3. Take a training course or pass an exam.
  4. Receive a commission certificate from the state.
  5. File your bond and oath of office.
  6. Buy notary supplies.

The whole process can take between four and nine weeks, depending on how many steps the state requires.

How much does it cost to be a notary?

The cost of becoming a notary varies by state. It can range anywhere from less than $100 to several hundreds of dollars. The total cost includes the application filing fee, notary training, exam fees, background screenings, notary supplies and the cost of a required bond (not required in all states).

Where to get documents notarized

Notary services are available at a variety of businesses. Some notary services are also mobile, so the notary can travel to the signer’s location.

Common types of businesses that offer notary services include:

  • American Automobile Association (AAA)
  • Banks
  • Colleges and universities
  • Law firms
  • Libraries
  • Photocopy shops
  • Real estate firms
  • Shipping stores

Getting a document notarized online

Notarizations are available online through sites such as Notarize or OneNotary. In these cases, the notary and the signer meet virtually. The notary verifies the signer’s willingness to sign the document, attaches an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate with their electronic signature. The notary may be required to keep an audio and visual recording of the notarization.

What is the cost of getting a document notarized?

The maximum fee a notary can charge varies by state. Most notary services range between $1 and $15. Online notary services may cost up to $25. Some banks offer notarization services to their customers free of charge.

Bottom line

Notaries have an essential role in preventing fraud when it comes to important transactions. You can usually find notary services at various local businesses, including banks and shipping stores, though if there is not a notary service near you, you may have the option to get your documents notarized online.

The steps and cost of getting a document notarized vary by state, so make sure to check your state’s requirements.