Notary Public Training Class: How to Become a Notary Public

A notary public witnesses a person's signature on different types of documents, thereby verifying that the individual did indeed sign the paper of his or her own free will. For this service, the notary receives a fee set by the state.

Be at least 18 years old and an official resident of the state in which you want to be a notary.
Obtain the application for a notary commission from your state or from the nonprofit National Notary Association (NNA). Note that each state has different eligibility criteria for its notaries. Visit the NNA Web site at nationalnotary.org.
Be prepared to pay a filing fee and, in most states, to post a bond before assuming the office. Go to the NNA Web site for the individual state fees and bond requirements. Also check the site for your state's requirements on written examinations and the fingerprinting of notaries.
Attend a workshop for prospective notaries to gain in-depth information about the law, ethics and special situations. The workshops are usually held in community colleges and universities, and, in some states, in hotels.
Send in your application after taking any required tests. Carefully follow instructions.
Take your oath of office in front of a notary public after you have been notified by the state that you have been approved to receive a notary commission.
Make certain you pay for your bond, if required, within the time specified by your state. Licensed insurance brokers obtain the bonds and help you file your final paperwork.
Purchase your official notary seal after you have taken your oath. Many states also require the use of an official inked rubber stamp on documents.
Give your business cards to neighborhood businesses, including banks, lawyers and insurance companies. Your notary fees are subject to federal and state income taxes, but not self-employment taxes.