What is a person who notarizes called?

Asked by: Melvin Kulas  |  Last update: September 6, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (25 votes)

A person certified to notarize documents is called a "notary public," and his job is to officially swear that he saw the contract or agreement get signed. The word "notary" was originally used to mean "secretary," but around the 14th century it took on the meaning of "person authorized to authenticate."

What is a notarized person?

A notary is an impartial witness to the signing or authentication of a legal document. Examples in which notaries are required include real estate deeds, affidavits, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Notaries must be at least 18 years old and reside in the state where they are licensed.

What is a notary agent called?

A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a specialized Notary Public type trained to handle and notarize loan documents, particularly in the real estate sector. NSAs play a crucial role in mortgage closings by guiding borrowers through the paperwork and ensuring that all required documents are signed correctly.

What is the meaning of notarian?

noun. no·​ta·​ry public ˈnō-tə-rē- plural notaries public or notary publics. : a public officer who attests or certifies writings (such as a deed) to make them authentic and takes affidavits, depositions, and protests of negotiable paper.

How much can I charge as a notary in Montana?

Notaries may charge up to $10 for performing an acknowledgment, witnessing a signature, verifying on oath or affirmation, certifying a transcript or certifying a copy or any of the other notarial acts enumerated in 1-5-603, MCA.

Can I notarize when the person has no ID?

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What can notaries not charge for?

Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.

How do you become a notary in Montana?

All applications must be submitted online.
  1. Complete at least 4 hours of approved training. Access Training Academy. ...
  2. Take and pass the Montana notary exam. ...
  3. Obtain a notary surety bond in the amount of $25,000. ...
  4. Complete the Montana notary public online application. ...
  5. Download your certificate of commission.

What do you call someone who notarizes?

A person certified to notarize documents is called a "notary public," and his job is to officially swear that he saw the contract or agreement get signed. The word "notary" was originally used to mean "secretary," but around the 14th century it took on the meaning of "person authorized to authenticate."

What's the difference between a notary and a notary public?

Unlike the U.S. notary, the notario publico drafts documents, provides legal advice, settles disputes, and archives documents. A U.S. notary cannot do any of those things.

What do you call someone who witnesses a signature?

A witness is any neutral, third-party observer of a document signing. Both signature guarantors and notaries can serve as a witness to a document signing.

Is being a notary a good side hustle?

A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.

What do notaries call themselves?

A notary public ( a.k.a. notary or public notary; pl. notaries public) of the common law is a public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters usually concerned with general financial transactions, estates, deeds, powers-of-attorney, and foreign and international business.

Who hires notaries?

These are a few of the types of offices that notaries often work in:
  • Real Estate Agencies - Many real estate agencies need a notary for deeds and titles.
  • Banks - A lot of banks offer notary services to their customers. ...
  • Lending Institutions - Some lending institutions hire notaries to notarize loan paperwork.

Who can notarize a paper for you?

In addition to independently commissioned notaries, the following professions are also usually authorized to notarize documents within their state:
  • Records clerk.
  • Banker.
  • Escrow Agent.
  • County Clerk.
  • Claims Processor.
  • Title Clerk.
  • Accountant.
  • Financial advisor.

What does notarized title mean?

Car title notarization affirms the identity of the seller and the buyer. It also ensures both parties are aware of the document's contents and have voluntarily signed it of their own free will. After signing, vehicle title notarization protects the buyer and the seller.

Is notary public a certification or license?

Like the training beforehand, the notary exam can usually be taken either in person or online. After taking and passing the exam, the state will provide you with a notary commission certificate and further instructions regarding the oath of office. Purchase notary public-specific materials.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

What is the highest level of notary?

All notaries begin at the Bronze level, but can be invited to upgrade to Silver, Gold, or even Platinum!

Can a notary notarize a document without a signature?

The bottom line (no pun intended), which is the signature line, is that without a signature, there can be no Acknowledgment or Jurat on a particular document. An Oath or Affirmation are the only Notary Acts you can do without a signature.

Who can be a US notary?

In general, you must be 18 years old and a legal resident of your state with no criminal record. Some states require applicants to read and write English while others allow residents of neighboring states to become Notaries.

Can you make money being a notary?

While it's difficult to build a six-figure income by doing simple notarizations like jurats and acknowledgments, some states have higher maximum rates than others. In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act. In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10.

What is rule #1 for Montana Notaries Public?

We've said it before and we'll say it again: "RULE # 1 – When taking an acknowledgement, witnessing a signature or performing a verification on oath or affirmation (jurat), the signer must personally appear to the notary at the time the notarization takes place." Montana law defines personal appearance as either ...

What is the hardest state to become a notary?

New York. New York has one of the toughest tests to become a Notary. The Empire State requires Notary applicants to take and pass an exam in order to receive a commission.