Notary Public Job Description and Duties

Updated on: December 26, 2022

Position Overview

If you have ever been involved in a property sale or purchase deal or a legal suit, you will understand the importance of a notary public.

A notary public or notary sign and seal legal and important documents required by the state or any government authority.

Signing and stamping legal documents may be all in a day’s work for the notary public but they have a job beyond signing and stamping. And that is to make sure that whatever they sign is authentic. Many times, notary publics are faced with situations that test their assessment mettle.

This is especially true in cases where there are high chances of fraud. Notary publics need to make sure that they assess each client thoroughly before actually putting their approval on their documents.

Often, the work of a notary public can become stressful. Since there is a lot of moral and legal responsibility on their shoulders, any mistake in determining the validity of a document or a client can lead to legal repercussions.

This is why they have to be very careful. In some states such as Florida, Maine, and South Carolina, notary publics are also authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.

While it is not necessary for a notary public to possess formal education, he or she does need to have a high school diploma.

Some typical duties of a notary public are given below. These statements will help you build an effective resume for a notary public position.

Notary Public Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Determine the eligibility of documents and clients’ intentions by indulging them in conversation.
• Verify identification documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, passports, and licenses.
• Ensure that the signer is not coerced into signing a document and report any misdemeanors as soon as they arise.
• Prepare affidavits, depositions, and other documents according to content standards.
• Sign prepared documents and affix stamps and seals on them in a bid to provide approval.
• Create and maintain liaisons with state agencies to acquire legal papers, stamps, and seals.
• Ensure that all stamps, seals, and papers are kept safely under lock and key.
• Be physically present on occasions that require state approvals such as for lawsuits and property matters.
• Interview clients briefly to ensure that they understand the mechanics of affidavits and other legal documents.
• Perform marriage ceremonies by ensuring that proper licenses are obtained and documentation completed (authorized only in the states of Florida, Maine, and South Carolina.)
• Create and prepare records of items notarized and ensure that they are in the correct order for public reference.