Notary Public

What is a notary public?

A notary public is someone who is authorized to perform certain legal formalities, such as verifying documents and administering oaths or affirmations.

What does a notary public do?

Usually, a notary public does the following:

• Verifies the identity of individuals involved in legal transactions by checking their identification documents.
• Witnesses the signing of important documents, such as contracts, wills, and powers of attorney, to ensure they are valid and properly executed.
• Administers oaths or affirmations for individuals making sworn statements or affidavits.
• Keeps accurate records of the notarial acts performed.

What does the day-to-day life of a notary public look like?

A notary public may have varying work schedules depending on their clients' needs. Some notaries public work in an office setting during regular business hours, while others may offer mobile notary services and travel to different locations to meet with clients. The tasks of a notary public include verifying identities, witnessing document signings, and maintaining records of their notarial acts. They may also need to respond to inquiries from clients or potential clients.

Where does a notary public work?

Notaries public can work in various settings, including:

• Law firms and legal offices: They may be employed by law firms to provide notarial services for their clients.
• Banks and financial institutions: Some banks have notaries public on staff to assist customers with notarizing important documents.
• Government offices and courthouses: Notaries public may work in government offices or courthouses to provide notarial services to the public.
• Self-employment: Some notaries public choose to work independently and offer their services to individuals and businesses. Notaries public typically work within their local area, providing services to clients in their community.

What tools/software/hardware does a notary public use?

A notary public uses various tools and equipment, such as:

• Notary seal or stamp: Used to affix the official notary seal on documents.
• Notary journal: Used to record details of notarial acts performed, including the date, type of document, and the names and identification of the parties involved.
• Identification verification tools: Notaries public may use identification verification software or reference materials to confirm the authenticity of identification documents presented by clients.

What do I need to become a notary public?

To become a notary public in the United Kingdom, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a resident or have a business address within the jurisdiction where you plan to notarize documents.
• Meet the eligibility requirements set by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Society of Notaries Public (details may vary depending on the jurisdiction).
• Complete the necessary training or education requirements.
• Pass any required exams or assessments.
• Apply for and receive a notary public commission. Specific requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, so it's important to research the requirements of the area where you plan to practice.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to notaries public, including:

• Senior Notary Public: With experience and expertise, a notary public can establish a reputation and specialize in handling complex legal transactions or providing specialized notarial services.
• Lawyer or Solicitor: Some notaries public choose to pursue additional legal education and become lawyers or solicitors.
• Legal Advisor: Notaries public can also use their knowledge and expertise to provide legal advice to individuals or businesses.

What jobs are similar to a notary public?

Some jobs that are similar to a notary public and may require similar skills or knowledge include:

• Legal Secretary: Assisting lawyers or solicitors with administrative tasks and document preparation.
• Paralegal: Supporting lawyers or solicitors with legal research, document drafting, and client communication.
• Estate Agent: Handling legal paperwork involved in property transactions. If you are a notary public, we want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to become a notary public. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.