Do you want to become a notary public in Georgia (GA)? If this is the case, there are a few prerequisites you must complete before you can begin notarizing papers. Notaries have commissioned professionals whose primary responsibility is to witness document signings and ensure that the parties listed on the form are the ones signing. And in this guide, we will walk you through how to become a notary in Georgia (GA), either online or not, mention the necessary exam to take, and also explain what an endorser on a notary application is. Let’s get to it.
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is usually appointed by the state government to act as an unbiased third-party witness when signing documents. They use stamps to verify a signer’s identity and desire to sign a document while also signing and notarizing it.
What is Notary Public Income in GA?
With the number of documents that require notarization every time they are created, it is best to identify “the source” of that business stream so you can receive repeat business. Although Notaries charge per stamp, the trip fee accounts for the majority of their Notary Public income. Notary Signing Agents are currently paid a set fee of $75-$200 every signing with real estate transactions.
The types of documents you work on every day will have the most impact on your Notary annual income. You can work part-time or full-time, which has a direct impact on your take-home pay. When you primarily work on real estate transactions and expand your business with higher paying signing orders, you can earn six figures as a Notary Signing Agent.
What a Notary Public Does
A notary public is a Georgia state officer who has the right and power to:
- Witness or attest signatures or executions of deeds and other written instruments
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Witness affidavits
- Take verifications
- Make certified copies of documents
How to Become a Notary in Georgia (GA)
In most states, becoming a notary public entails a number of steps. In general, you must be at least 18 years old, have no major criminal record, and successfully complete an application process. Notary education (varying from a simple online course to a notary class and competency exam) and a background check, as well as the purchase of a surety bond, are required in some states as part of the notary application process. To become a notary public in Georgia, you must first fulfill the following requirements:
#1. Meet eligibility requirements
Meeting the relevant criteria is the first step toward becoming a notary public in Georgia (GA). Among these requirements are:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a citizen or a legal resident of the United States
- Be a legal resident of the county for which you are applying, or If a resident of a bordering state, you must be regularly employed in the county in which you are applying
- Be able to read and write English
- Have, and provide at the time of application, an operating telephone number
- Online training is provided and required by some counties and recommended for all
#2. Obtain a surety bond
To protect the public from financial loss caused by notarial malpractice, a surety bond is necessary.
#3. Submit an application
You must submit a completed application to the Georgia Secretary of State, along with the appropriate fee. You must sign and swear or affirm that the information you supply on the application is true.
In addition to the facts provided above, you must state on the application form any criminal convictions you have had, including any nolo contendre pleas, with the exception of minor traffic offenses.
You must also obtain an endorser for the notary application. This entails the endorsements of two people who are not related to you, are at least 18 years old, and live in Liberty County, declaring that you are a person of integrity, excellent moral character, and capable of completing notarial actions.
#4. Purchase notary supplies
You’ll need to buy a notary seal, a logbook, and other equipment.
#5. Take an oath of office
Following the approval of your appointment, you must take an oath of office, which must be submitted with the Georgia Secretary of State.
After completing these steps, you will be allowed to lawfully perform notarial acts in Georgia.
Commission
We have the following notary commission sectors in GA:
- The Liberty Clerk By statute, Superior Court must consider your application and either award or deny a commission.
- The Liberty Clerk If you have been convicted of any crimes or entered a nolo contender plea to any crime other than a minor traffic infraction, or if you have ever had your notary commission revoked, suspended, or restricted, Superior Court may deny your application.
- When you are commissioned as a notary public, the Clerk will provide you with a certificate of appointment.
- When a certificate of appointment is issued, the Clerk notifies the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority, a state agency in charge of maintaining a statewide registry of notaries public, which will send you an official identification card indicating your status as a notary and the term of your appointment.
Term of Office
A notary public holds office for four years from the date of commission.
- If a notary violates any notary public law, commits any illegal notarial conduct, or is proven to have submitted an application or endorsement for a notarial commission that contains a large or significant misstatement or omission of fact, the commission may be revoked at any time.
- At the end of the term of office, a commission may be renewed in person or by mail.
Seal of Office
This is another area you will be exposed to during the procedure. It includes the following:
- A notary public is required by law to offer a seal of office for the authentication of notarial activities.
- You must include your name, and the words “Notary Public,” “Georgia,” and “Liberty County” on the seal.
- The seal could be an embossing tool or a rubber stamp.
- Your notary seal must be used to document all notarial acts.
Fees of Notaries in Georgia
The following are the fees that a notary may charge the public for performing notarial acts:
- Administering an oath — $2.00
- Each attendance on any person to make proof as a notary public — $2.00
- Every other certificate — $2.00
- It is illegal to charge more than $4.00 for each service provided. The $4.00 cost includes a $2.00 fee for completing the notarial act and a $2.00 fee for attending to make proof and certify the same as a notary public.
- Fees for notarial acts are not required of a notary public.
- You must notify the person requesting the notarial act of the fees that will be charged in advance.
What is Remote Online Notarization?
The process of having a state of Georgia-licensed notary public notarize a document remotely using electronic signature, identity verification, audio-visual and electronic notarial journal and record keeping technology is known as remote online notarization (RON).
These technologies allow notaries in Georgia to securely notarize documents for anyone with a valid government-issued ID from anywhere in the world, while also saving time and travel for themselves and the parties concerned. Instead of meeting in person to sign a paper document, the notary public and signer can do a notarial act on their devices from wherever they happen to be, as long as their state laws allow.
The ease of remote online notary in Georgia is clear to anyone who has had to locate and visit a notary public to sign a document. Other advantages of remote online notary in Georgia over in-person, paper-based notarization include:
- increased availability of notarial services
- Safety and enforceability
- Identity fraud is less likely to occur.
- Remote Online Notarizations are legal in Georgia
How Does Online Notary Work in Georgia?
While hiring a remote online notary in Georgia would be both easy and cost-effective, the practice is currently not authorized in the state. In Georgia, all notary services must sign and notarize papers in person, in the presence of a commissioned walk-in or mobile notary.
Traditional notaries public, such as walk-in and remote notaries, require you to schedule an in-person meeting with your notary before notarization. You will also be required to pay the notary’s fee and present a valid form of identification at the time of signing.
What are the Requirements of the Remote Online Notary in Georgia ?
All document notarizations in Georgia must be performed in person before a traditional state-commissioned notary public. Walk-in and mobile notary services are both provided by traditional notaries.
Though traditional in-person notarization does not provide the security and convenience that remote online notary in Georgia (GA) does, it does allow you to put a wet-ink signature to the notarized document, leaving you with a physical signed copy.
What are the Notary Laws in Georgia?
At present time, the state of Georgia does not permit the use of remote online notaries in Georgia or eSignatures. Though this was approved momentarily during the COVID-19 epidemic, it has since expired and is no longer permitted. Even if the order has expired, documents that were notarized online while it was legal are still deemed legally legitimate.
What is the Difference Between a Notary and a Notary Signing Agent?
Individual papers such as wills, trusts, and school forms are notarized. Notary Signing Agents handle real estate papers such as buy, sale, and refinance agreements. As a result, they can earn more and are not limited by state law maximum fees, as Notaries are.
Key Skills and Competence of a Notary Public
Certain key skills and competencies are required to become a notary public in Georgia. To begin, you must have a keen eye for detail and the ability to accurately check and authenticate legal papers. Furthermore, great communication skills are required because you will be interacting with clients and other experts on a daily basis.
A solid awareness of legal terminology and procedures, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive material, are also required. Finally, great organizational abilities and the ability to manage your time properly are essential for meeting deadlines and completing all work efficiently. You can become a successful notary public in Georgia if you have these abilities and competencies.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Georgia?
A new notary appointment or reappointment costs between $36.00 and $51.00.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Notary in Georgia?
The prerequisites are as follows:
- Fill out a notary application and deliver it to the Clerk of Superior Court in your county of residence (keep in mind the neighboring-state resident clause).
- Take the oath of office and pay the application fee.
- A notary certificate of appointment is issued by the clerk’s office.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Georgia?
Pay the $37 filing fee and take the oath of office. Your Notary certificate of appointment is issued by the clerk’s office.
Can You Make Money as a Notary in GA?
Yes. Your greatest choice for getting money as a side hustle is to work as a loan signing agent as a mobile notary.
What Disqualifies You From Being a Notary in Georgia?
You will be disqualified if you commit any of the following:
- Failure to obey a court order.
- Nonpayment of child support.
- Refusal to return to imprisonment.
- Financial statements that are false.
Can I Notarize for Family in Georgia?
As a notary/signing agent, you can notarize documents for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all of the notarization standards.As a general rule, it is advised to avoid notarizing any documents for family members.
What Type of Notary Makes the Most Money?
Signing Agents are among the busiest Notaries Public. As a result, they tend to have the highest income. A Signing Agent (sometimes known as a “courtesy signer”) is a Notary who has additional training and certification to engage in real estate transactions.
Which Notary Job Makes the Most Money?
Notaries who deal directly with title agents, escrow officers, lenders, and real estate agents earn more than those who work for loan signing service providers.
Conclusion
There are various state differences in becoming a Notary; the process is similar but not same in each state. If you decide to do it yourself, please be aware of the comprehensive guide we have provided for you.
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