Notary and Apostille

A notary public is an individual commissioned by the Office of the Secretary of State to perform notarial acts which include:

• Taking an acknowledgement
• Administering an oath or affirmation
• Taking a verification on oath or affirmation
• Witnessing or attesting a signature
• Certifying or attesting a copy
• Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument

Notarization protects against fraud. A notarized signature proves the signer appeared before the notary public. A signer must be in the physical presence of the notary before the notary may lawfully notarize the document. The notary also certifies that a signature is made willingly and freely.

Learn what to do to get something notarized

Guidance on duties for current notaries public.

Maintain your notary public commission.

Learn about becoming a notary public.

Document authentication services.

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