become a notary

In NY State, you study the part of the state code having to do with notaries (http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/lawbooks/notary.html), pass a test on it (requiring an examination fee of $50), and upon receiving a pink “pass slip” from the state department of state, you track down another notary and have yourself sworn in (which brings up the question of who swore in the very first notary).

I imagine the process in other states is fairly similar.

I did this more-or-less on a whim, but my friends and neighbors like having someone around who can witness signatures and such; since everyone needs something notarized once in a while, they send their friends to me. I’ve never charged for the service, but I meet all kinds of lovely people.

In some states, a notary can perform marriages. Alas, NY isn’t one of them—it must be a blast.

I sent away and ordered my study materials, and I have a list of testing locations so this is finally in motion.

During the summer, I do temp work. I spend a lot of time at law offices, so I feel like this could be somewhat useful. Also, I want a stamp with my name on it. More the stamp than the usefulness thing.

(nearly immediate) EDIT: There’s a $40 application fee, and then a $100 registration fee. I may have to reconsider, as there are many things far more worthy of my hard-earned $140.

Very easy, just took a few hours of my time and a few weeks later I got my stamp. Haven’t used it yet, but it is awesome.

I went to the Recorder of Deeds office today to be sworn in as the second to last step to becoming an official notary public. I then had to go to the Prothonotary office to put my signature on file. So, it’s official. I’m now a Pennsylvania Notary Public.

I finally received my letter of acceptance from the state and my blank bond form. Sent the bond off to be executed and once I receive it back I can go to the recorder of deeds office to be sworn in. It’s kind of exciting;)

Last Tuesday I went to the mandatory 3 hour class. The class is the first step as you need proof of the training as part of the application. I got the application filled out and had two witnesses vouch for my character. Then, Friday I went to my local State Senator’s office to have him endorse me as an applicant. Of course, his assistant put his stamp on it so I never even got to meet the guy.

I then mailed my completed application to Pennsylvania Association of Notaries and they will submit it to the state on my behalf. It could take several weeks to be processed, so I’m at a stand still until I receive my blank bond forms. I’ll have to send that on to PAN as well so it can be executed. Then I should receive my approval from the state and can be sworn in at the Recorder of Deeds office. The last step is putting my signature on file at the Pathonotory’s office.

My boss paid for the complete package as he wants a back up notary in our office. So, it’s a win win for me!