Notary Public

[jak0215]

Hi Everyone,



I know that we have already covered this topic in a past link, but I have a question.



My om is going out on maternity leave soon and she is our only Notary.  Our VIP wants me to apply so we won't have to go without while she is gone.  There is a space on the form as asking my reasons for wanting to be appointed a Notary.  For the life of me I can not come up with a reason better than the reason of om's loa which is already stated on the backside of the form as an answer to the question of wether or not there is already a Notary in the office/building.  Do you think its ok for me to repeat this answer or should I come up with a new reason.  The only other reason I can think of at this moment is for obvious personal professional reasons, which I don't feel comfortable putting on a form that my VIP with sign and pay the fee for.  Another questions is how important is the signatures?  It asks for a Lawyers signature and personally, I don't know any lawyers.  Is it important for the lawyer to know me?



Thanks for your help.



jak

 

[tlc2559]

Jak - what state are you in?  I've been a notary for several years, and I don't remember them asking for a lawyer's signature??  I also don't remember them asking if there was another NP in the building.  Of course, every state is different, so maybe that's why.  TN doesn't ask these two questions.



Also, I think it would be fine for you to list the same reason.  I don't think they'll turn you down if you use the same answer.  After all, that's the reason!  And, I would think the gov't would want ya to be truthful!  



Good luck!  It WILL look good on your resume if you ever need to change jobs, too!



tlc

[sher1]

I am a Notary Public and if you repeated the answer that was already reiterated on the back, that will be sufficient (in my opinion of course).  As far as the signatures go, they are fairly important.  I did not know any lawyers either; however, I knew of someone who knew a lawyer.  Although the attorney didn't know me personally, he was comfortable in signing the document.  If you don't know of anyone who knows an attorney, you can call any attorney's office and for a minimal fee, a lawyer will sign the paperwork.  Hope this helps!!  Good luck!

[dragonladybug]

In GA they don't ask for a lawyer's signature either but they did ask for signatures of two residents of the county where you reside (even though the notary commission is statewide, you apply in your own county).



I did have to justify my reason for becoming a notary to the bean counters, but I just put "occasional need to notarize various documents necessary to conducting business".

 

[jak0215]

I live in MA and I thought it strange that the form asked for a Lawyers signature but this is MA after all.  



Thanks for your help.  I think that I will just repeat the answer.  I mean really, what else could the possibly be looking for?



Thanks again.



jak

[whitesatin]

I live in California and did not have to have a lawyer, or anyone else sign the application to take the test.  Are you talking about having the application to take the test signed, or having your Notary Commission signed?  For the notary commission, I had to go to the Alameda County courthouse and take an oath in front of a Notary Public and she then notarized my commission.  In California, you receive your commission after you take and pass the test.  Then you have to be sworn in at a courthouse that is within the county.



You can get most, or all of your questions answered at the National Notary Association's website:



www.nationalnotary.org



or, call them toll-free at 1-800-876-6827



Hope this helps.  Good luck!



WhiteSatin  

[jak0215]

White Satin,



In MA you don't have to take a test.  You send in a request for the application, complete the form with 4 signatures one of which has to be an Attorney, send the form back and wait for there approval.  Once you get their approval you have to send in your fee, but not until they tell you.  The form also says that applicants may be required to appear at the Council Chamber, if further information is desired.  This is why I wanted to make sure that my reasons given would appease them.  I asked my om if she thought it important that the Lawyer know me personally and she thinks it is not.  My VIP is having the company Attorney sign for me.  Sounds good to me!  It's just one more thing to add to my resume.



Thanks for your input, it is appreciated.



jak

[whitesatin]

It's funny how the procedures are so variable from state to state.     Seems like this is something that should be standardized across the country.



Glad that everything is working out for you.



WhiteSatin  

[dragonladybug]

The requirements and duties for Notaries vary widely from state to state - some Notaries can even perform marriages, while some really only verify that documents were signed in their presence.



I think the only thing that is standard across the country is the amount you are allowed to charge for each notarization.

[northcarolina]

It is funny how the requiremets vary -- I had to find a county official to sign my form and have it notarized; after I sat through an 8 hour class on the do's and don'ts of notaries and had to take a test, then had to appear at the County Clerks office to take the oath.  



nc

[tlc2559]

In Tennessee, you send in the application; it's voted on in the city council meeting that meets every 2nd Tuesday, or something and then they send you the certificate, and tell you to get bonded.  No appearance in front of anyone, no signatures, no nothin'!  I don't know of anyone that's ever been turned down.



Anyway, the variances are amazing!  Glad you're getting it all worked out, jak!



Happy Friday, everyone!!



tlc in (rainy   ) TN







 

[execsec]

In Oklahoma, you fill out some paperwork, send it in to the state, they sign it, send it back and you have to get a notarial bond and then file everything with the county clerk.  That's it.  They don't even have to see your face! Everything is done by mail.  The commission is good for 4 years.