A notary, commonly referred to as a notary public, delivers crucial services in legal and transactional engagements by validating the proper signing of a document by the relevant stakeholders. Notaries witness the signing of legal documents such as real estate deeds, wills, and powers of attorney, ensuring identity verification of the signing parties to prevent fraudulent actions.
The role of a notary goes back centuries, where as early as 2750 B.C.E., the Egyptians and Sumerians utilized scribes, the predecessor to notaries, according to the National Notary Association (NNA). These ancient civil scribes played a pivotal part in documenting the history of their time. Flash forward to more recent history, notaries were utilized in voyages such as those by Christopher Columbus to authenticate discoveries on behalf of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Interestingly, Calvin Coolidge remains the only U.S. president sworn into office by a notary - his father.
Notaries have an obligation to provide services without discrimination based on race, nationality, religion, or gender. While women were not permitted to assume the role until the 1900s, the NNA reveals they now outnumber male notaries.
The requirements for becoming a notary can vary from state to state, and usually, the individual must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state where they seek licensure. The procedure for becoming a notary includes costs related to training, supplies, a bond, and taking the oath of office. It's noteworthy to mention that notaries are prohibited from giving legal advice and may face penalties should they act in situations where they have personal interests.
Many notaries offer their services and advertise their contact information online or through listings. Some even work at packaging stores, postal facilities, and copy centers. Additionally, Remote Online Notarization (RON) services are an alternative in many states, especially adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic as a safe and convenient option.
To sum it up, notaries have been an invaluable asset to society and government systems for centuries. They not only validate the legitimacy of documents and signatures in legal transactions but also execute the crucial task of confirming the identity of the parties involved. So, whether you're looking for notary services in an urban center or a remote village, rest assured, there's probably a notary nearby ready to assist you.