| Becoming a notary public is easy. You can be a notary | | | | back of it notarized. At this point, you are officially a |
| if you are at least 18 years of age, a resident of the | | | | notary public, and can return to the website that you |
| state you live in and have no criminal record. There are | | | | applied for it and start purchasing your supplies. Once |
| several websites that can help you obtain your notary | | | | you have received your supplies, you can start |
| certificate. I suggest the websites for the American | | | | notarizing. This is also when you should purchase |
| Association of Notaries or the National Notary | | | | insurance, although it is not required. The AAN does |
| Association. | | | | offer a new notary package that includes the filing fee, |
| On the front page of the website, click on New | | | | bonding, the notary stamp, and a free membership for |
| Notaries. There is an application you will need to fill out | | | | one year to their association for the basic supplies. |
| and then print. You can either pay the filing fee through | | | | However for any extra stamps or training courses, |
| the mail or online. If paying through the mail, be sure to | | | | these need to be bought separately. |
| include the filing fee with the application. If paying online, | | | | Both websites offer online training, which I highly |
| the AAN will submit your application to the Secretary | | | | recommend. The American Association of Notaries |
| of State along with the filing fee. As soon as the | | | | also offers a free web listing in their online directory. |
| Secretary of State approves your application, you'll | | | | A notary has statewide jurisdiction., which means they |
| receive your certificate in the mail. In most states you | | | | can notarize anywhere in the state. If you decide to |
| are required to be bonded for the length of term of | | | | move out of the state, you must resign as a notary |
| service, 4 years. Bonding is included with all filings and | | | | from that state. You can reapply in the state you are |
| applications. Insurance is not required, but | | | | moving to. |
| recommended by the American Association of | | | | Most states have different rules to follow when it |
| Notaries. It is very inexpensive. | | | | comes notarizing. Be sure to read up on the rules of |
| Once you have been approved and have received | | | | whatever state you want to become a notary in. |
| your notary certificate in the mail, be sure to have the | | | | |