Notaries or public notaries serve as witnesses to the signing of oaths, declarations, and official documents such as contracts, deeds, affidavits, and deposits. By having a notary certify a document, the government can be confident that the person who signs the document is the right person, is competent and knowledgeable about the proceedings, and signs on their own free will.
In the signer’s physical presence, one who notarizes must conduct their job to confirm all of the above. Many people become notaries, such as bank tellers and administrative assistants, because it is necessary or beneficial for their job, but some work independently.
The main functions of this job title are to administer oaths and affirmations and to take affidavits and statutory declarations. Notaries also witness and authenticate the execution of certain classes of documents and take acknowledgments of acts and other transmissions. Overall, there are a wide variety of documents that you will need to oversee in this position.
Training to Become a Notary
Community colleges, organizations such as the American Society of Notaries, or the State Secretary’s office, may offer state-approved education courses. These courses describe notaries’ duties and responsibilities in that state and help students learn how to keep a record book, verify identities, judge witnesses’ credibility, and work with various types of documents.
In some countries, notaries may complete electronic notarization training. Electronic notarizations must be completed in person as of now, but the documents concerned may be signed or electronically transmitted. Notaries may use a unique digital “stamp” instead of using their traditional rubber stamp to notarize documents. Still, first, they need to learn how to work with digital certificates.
Requirements to Become a Notary
- Age: Most states require notaries to be at least 18 years old.
- Education: Some states require notaries to complete a training course.
- Examination: Some states require notaries to pass an examination.
- Fingerprints: Submitting fingerprints may be necessary.
Average Income
According to Indeed, the average income is $32,593 per year. The pay listed here is unique to notaries working in environments like banks, companies, government agencies, and law firms on a full-time basis.
Geographic location for all types of professions has a significant impact on wages. This is because pay rates are directly influenced by a particular community, city, or state’s cost of living. A public type is no different, and depending on the location of the job, you will find variations in the average salary. In addition, this profession could also be combined with other work in order to supplement your income.
Job Prospects
The future of this profession may depend on technology and law changes. Many states carry out electronic notarization but still require that these acts occur in person. If technology changes make it possible to verify identity and competence reliably over the internet, there may be a threat to the jobs of those who perform personal notarizations.
In many career fields, notaries are needed, including law, property, health care, and banking. For example, in this career, you can apply for administrative assistants or bank teller positions. If you also have other skills, the commission will make you an attractive candidate.
Conclusion
Many employers who often need the services of notaries are looking to hire someone with such capabilities onto their staff. In this profession, you are providing an essential service to much of the business world. However, this job requires a great deal of integrity, as it is your job to ensure that documents and valid and legal. For more job ideas, click here.
