What it Means to be a Public Official About Notaries Why Become a Notary? How to Become a Notary How to Renew Your Notary Commission How to Become a Signing Agent What is Notarization Being a Public Official Stamp/Seal Information Notary Forms Notary History Notaries and Notarios Glossary of Terms Notary Links News & Information Notary Bulletin The National Notary Magazine Webinars Commonly Asked Questions How to Administer Oaths and Affirmations Strange, Unusual and Bizarre Requests ID Fraud — A Notary Trap The Names in The Document and Identification Don't Match The Importance of Personal Appearance Understanding Notary Certificates and Seals: Vital Notary Know-How Signature by Mark Sorry Boss... No Can Do! How to Complete a Journal Entry How to Use Credible Witnesses Acknowledgments and Jurats - What's the Difference? How to ID in a Multi-Cultural World Signing Agent Branding Your Signing Agent Business 10 Steps to a Flawless Loan Signing Answers to Questions Notary Signing Agents are Asking Today Being a Team Player in the Loan Closing Process New Law Update California New-Law Update Oregon New-Law Update Arkansas New-Law Update Notary Laws Policy Tracking Special Reports Law Review Articles NNA Annual Conference Social Media Press Center Tips and Tutorials Administer an Oath Correct a Certificate Determine if ID is Acceptable Determine if Blank Spaces Acceptable Fix Bad Seal Impressions Avoid Unauthorized Practice of Law Handle Name Discrepancies Notarize Foreign Language Documents Notarize Wills How to Use Your Notary Seal Stamp Signing Agent Resources Non-Payment Issues Common Collection Terms Managing Your Collection Efforts Sample Collection Letters Signing Agent Tools Rescission Calendar Closing Disclosure ZipCode Locator / Driving Directions Signing Agent Pledge Card Privacy Tips Privacy/Security Self-Assessment Reference Library Model Notary Act Model Electronic Notarization Act Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility US Notary Reference Manual (members only) Certificate Forms (members only) State Law Summaries Notaries are public officials appointed by the governments of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories to serve their citizens as trusted, impartial witnesses to document signings. A Notary’s geographic authority to perform notarizations is strictly limited to the boundaries of the appointing state or jurisdiction and to the term of the commission, which may vary from 2 to 10 years. They must also uphold the law of the appointing state or jurisdiction. When performing official notarial acts, Notaries are serving the public service on behalf of their state. They cannot violate the law at anyone’s request — and that includes employers, clients, friends or family members. Notaries must also be impartial, which means they must never refuse to serve, or to discriminate in their quality of service, based of an individual’s race, nationality, religion, politics, sexual orientation or status as a non-customer. As representatives of the state, Notaries must perform their official duties with respect and seriousness for the public service role they play as a trusted, impartial witness. Get insurance, bonds, and everything else you need with a full NOTARY SUPPLY PACKAGE BECOME a NotaryRENEW as a Notary