Anyone who moves to the United States or already lives here will sooner or later face the need to have documents notarized. This could be a power of attorney, a purchase agreement, or confirmation of a copy of an important document. For many immigrants, the process of working with a notary in the United States may seem unusual, as this system differs from what we are used to at home. In this article, we will explain who a notary is in the United States, what their responsibilities are, and how to become one.
Unlike in European countries, where notaries perform a wide range of legal functions and have the status of lawyers, in the United States, notaries have a somewhat narrower scope of authority. The main task of an American notary is to certify the signature on a document, confirming the identity of the signatory, their voluntary consent, and the legality of the procedure.
In many states, notaries public may also:
- certify copies of documents,
- administer oaths,
- conduct wedding ceremonies,
- perform online notarization.
A notary plays a key role in giving legal force to documents used in court, business, or personal matters. Their actions determine whether a document will be recognized as legal in the event of a dispute. This guarantees that your agreements and documents are protected from forgery and have every chance of being accepted by legal or financial institutions.
The main feature of notarial activity in the United States is that notaries work under a license issued at the state level and do not provide legal advice or draft contracts or wills. Their duties are limited to confirming that a document has been signed voluntarily and that the signatory’s identity has been established in accordance with the law.
Modern trends in notarial services are becoming increasingly innovative. One of them is the emergence of mobile notaries who visit clients, providing convenience and saving time for those who cannot visit the office themselves. In addition, technological developments have ushered in a new era in notarial services—remote online notarization (RON). This allows people to certify documents online without leaving their home or office. Such innovations are especially useful for people with disabilities or those who live in remote areas or have busy schedules. They greatly facilitate access to notary services, making them faster and more convenient.
In some US states, notaries can perform wedding ceremonies, which is an important additional function in their work. This allows couples to organize their wedding ceremony in a format that is convenient for them, without having to contact priests or other officials. The notary who performs the ceremony signs the marriage certificate, thereby making the marriage legally valid.
This makes the process of getting married easier and more accessible, giving couples the opportunity to hold their celebration in a comfortable environment, choosing a location and setting that suits them.
The process of becoming a notary public in the United States, as with services, varies by state, but generally involves several key steps. First, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and be at least 18 years old. Next, most states require you to complete a specialized training course covering the basics of notarial practice and relevant legal regulations. In some states, you need to pass an exam to obtain a license, while in others, you only need to submit an application and pay a registration fee. After that, the applicant receives a license and can purchase an official seal, which is mandatory for performing notarial acts.
In addition, notaries must keep a special notarial journal and comply with established legal norms. It is also important to regularly renew your license and comply with liability and ethics requirements to avoid legal consequences such as license revocation or fines.
So, a notary in the US is not only a specialist who certifies the authenticity of documents, but also a key figure in ensuring legal security in various areas of life, from personal transactions to business. Their role goes beyond simply certifying signatures and copies—today, notaries can perform wedding ceremonies, provide remote notarization, and offer on-site services, which greatly simplifies the accessibility and efficiency of notarial services. Various technological innovations, such as online notary services, make the process even more convenient for clients, allowing them to carry out important legal transactions without the need for physical presence.
Although each state has its own licensing requirements, the process generally involves several stages that ensure a high level of training and accountability for future notaries. It is important to understand that notaries in the United States not only perform formal functions, but also play an important role in ensuring legal stability in society, which makes their profession not only in demand, but also extremely important for everyone.
Author Volodymyr Koshovyi
American notary
Florida Halandale
