In order for marriage certificates, wills, and other legal documents to be signed according to law, they must be verified by a nope Public.Under penalty of perjury, a signer can be bound to a declaration that the information in the document is true and correct.Notaries act as a first line of detection for fraud in many types of business transactions.
Step 1: You must meet the age requirement to verify.
You have to be at least 18 years old to apply to the state of Florida.If you are asked to verify your age, you will need a birth certificate or state-issued identification.
Step 2: You need to verify that you meet the requirement.
You need to be a legal resident of Florida to become a notary.Florida requires part-time residents to swear or affirm that they are legal residents on their application.This means that you live in the state and treat it as your home.Driver's license, car registration, and voter registration are examples of proof of residency.
Step 3: Take care of your citizenship status and location.
It is not a requirement for you to be a citizen of the United States.If you are a permanent resident alien, you have to submit a declaration of idiocy.You can get this form at the courthouse where you live.Even if another courthouse is close to your home, you must file it at your county seat.Attach this form to your application.
Step 4: You can review your criminal and professional history.
If you have a criminal record, you can't become a notary in Florida.The application requires you to swear that you have not been disciplined by a licensing agency in the state.The Bar Association for attorneys are examples.If the actions taken against you by the licensing authority are confidential and not part of your public record, you must reveal them.You must provide a written statement about your charges if you have a prior conviction.The date, nature of the crime, and anything you want to say about your life since the conviction should be included.journal entries are a copy of the judgment and sentencing order.You have to get a certified copy of this document from the court where you were sentenced.Check with the court clerk if there is a fee.Your civil rights have been restored.The process for applying for a certificate of restoration of civil rights in Florida is straight forward.You have to have been sentenced for at least five years to be eligible for an RCR.
Step 5: You can select your reference.
An Affidavit of Character is included in the Florida State notary application.This person needs to know you personally, not be related to you, and willing to swear that you are a good person.
Step 6: Chapter 117 of the Florida statutes tells you how to be a notary public.
When you sign the application, you swear that you have read the chapter and are aware of the "duties, responsibilities, limitations, and powers of a notary public."
Step 7: Florida law requires you to complete a three-hour education course.
The Florida Legislature enacted the Electronic Commerce Bill, which requires first time applicants for a commission to submit proof that they have completed at least three hours of classroom instruction and electronic notarization.The course can be taken online or at a school approved by the State of Florida.
Step 8: The application for the public commission must be filled out.
Print out the form and fill it out by hand, but don't sign it.You and your character reference will sign it.It will be easier to distinguish the original from a copy if you use blue ink.
Step 9: A bonding company is a good choice.
Notaries in Florida must have a performance bond of at least $7,500.Being "bonded" means that the public is protected from your actions.If a deed is notarized without verification of the signer's identity, the buyer can file a claim against the surety company.This doesn't protect you from being sued by the bond issuer.The state maintains a list of approved surety bonding companies that will issue your bond and submit your completed and verified application to the state.The companies should be contacted for the scope and cost of the service.
Step 10: You need to submit your application.
The bonding company that you have selected will electronically submit your application.The completed and verified application form must be included in the package.You have obtained the bond on the form.An official certificate shows that you have completed at least 3 hours of education.You need to have back-up documents for your residency, domicile, and felony status.The fee includes a $25 application fee, $10 commission fee and $4 surcharge.For combat or disabled veterans, the commission fee may be nixed.
Step 11: Your certificate from the commission.
Within two to three weeks, you will receive your certificate from the state if your application is approved.If you are asked to show your certificate to customers, keep it in a safe place.
Step 12: Purchase a seal from an official.
There is a rubber stamp with the words "Notary Public - State of Florida" on it.It needs to be purchased from your bonding company.You can include an eagle or other symbol on your stamp.Black ink should be used for nywayanyday stamps.
Step 13: If you want to be a notary, begin practicing.
If you want people to know that you have received your commission, you can place a sign in the window of your business.Legal fees in the state of Florida can be as high as $10.00 per notarial service.It costs $20.00 to solemnize a marriage ceremony.
Step 14: A journal to keep.
As you act in service to your community, you should keep a journal with a record of your actions.Since notaries are not authorized to keep copies of legal documents to prove their involvement, this is not mandatory in Florida.
Step 15: If you want insurance coverage, consider getting it.
Sometimes disagreements arise, and you are legally responsible for every act you perform.If you get sued, it's a good idea to buy liability insurance.