Notary Services: Survey

Notary Services

Understanding the Role of a Notary

A notary plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of legal and financial transactions. By notarizing a document, the notary confirms that it was signed willingly, knowingly, and by the appropriate individuals. The notarization process generally includes:

• Identity Verification: The notary reviews valid photo identification to confirm the identities of all signers.
• Witnessing the Signature: The notary ensures each person signs voluntarily and understands the content of the document.
• Certification: After witnessing the signing, the notary completes the notarial certificate and affixes their official seal or stamp, confirming the authenticity of the event.

A Brief History of Notaries

The institution of notaries is ancient. According to the National Notary Association (NNA), the earliest notarial roles appeared around 2750 B.C.E. in Egypt and Sumeria. Egyptians called these officials scribes, who documented everything from trade transactions to historical events.

The Roman Empire later formalized the role with notarii and scribae, responsible for recording speeches, maintaining records, and preparing official documents. The first widely recognized notary was Tiro, a Roman servant who invented an early form of shorthand to transcribe speeches.

Across civilizations, including ancient China, scribes played an important part in documenting governmental, economic, and cultural activities.

Notaries have also intersected with well-known figures:

• Mark Twain worked as a notary.
• Salvador Dalí, Leonardo da Vinci, and U.S. President Calvin Coolidge were sons of notaries.
• Coolidge remains the only American president sworn into office by a notary—his father.

Women were excluded from notarial work until the early 20th century, but today, women notaries outnumber men in many regions.

Where to Get a Document Notarized

Notary services are widely available. Many businesses employ notaries or maintain partnerships with them. Common locations include:

• Postal and courier service centers
• Packaging and shipping stores
• Banks and financial institutions
• Copy and print centers
• Private notary offices and online platforms

Remote and online notarization is also available in many regions, offering increased accessibility for individuals in remote or underserved areas.

What Exactly Does a Notary Do?

A notary’s function centers on safeguarding the integrity of documents. Their responsibilities include:

• Verifying the identity of each signer
• Ensuring signers understand the document
• Confirming voluntary signatures
• Completing and sealing the notarial certificate

This process protects individuals and institutions from fraud, coercion, and disputes.

What Does It Cost to Become a Notary?

The cost varies depending on the region, but typically includes:

• Training or certification courses
• Application and registration fees
• Supplies such as seals, journals, and stamps
• Renewal or recertification costs

Some states or countries require re-examination or periodic renewal.

The Bottom Line

Notaries have been essential to public trust and legal order for thousands of years—from documenting ancient agricultural records to verifying modern digital transactions. They remain a cornerstone of secure documentation in every state, region, and community.

Whether you visit a nearby business, a mobile notary, or an online notarization platform, access to notarial services is easier than ever—even for those living in remote locations.

Krishna Prasai