How to Become a Notary Public in Georgia

Guide to Becoming a Notary Public in Georgia

Becoming a Notary Public in Georgia involves the following steps for residents:

• Double-check that you qualify according to the guidelines on ga.gov (which are mentioned below).

• Complete the paperwork online or fill it out in person at your county’s office. If you’d like, drive to your local or workplace Clerk of Superior Court to express your interest.

• Submit your application by paying $37 and take the oath that is required inside the application.

• After being approved, get your Notary certificate of appointment from the clerk’s office.

• After completing the steps, purchase your Notary seal to complete your credentials.

• You may want to consider purchasing Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to mitigate financial risks, even though it is optional; many experts highly recommend obtaining this insurance.

• There are many ways to increase your knowledge and abilities, such as taking continuing education courses or asking seasoned Notary experts for help. When you feel ready, these extra resources may be an essential help for your work as a Notary.

Requirements to Become a Notary Public in Georgia

To become a Notary in Georgia, applicants must meet the following basic qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18 years

• Residency in the Georgia county where applying, or residency in a bordering state while employed or conducting business in the county

• U.S. citizenship or legal residency

• Proficiency in reading and writing English

• Possession and provision of a functional telephone number

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Is an exam required?

No, Georgia doesn’t mandate passing an exam to become a Notary. However, the state provides an optional Notary Public Final Exam for $10 if you opt for their online training course.

What supplies are essential?

For every notarization, you’ll require a Notary seal, which can be either an inked stamp or an embosser. It must include:

• Your name

• “Notary Public,”

• “Georgia” or “GA,” and

• optionally, your commission expiration date.

Georgia Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions

What Georgia agency supervises the work of Notaries?

In Georgia, notaries are given their powers by the superior court. Even so, information about all Notaries in Georgia is kept in one central statewide database by the GSCCCA. The organization’s offices are in Atlanta, GA.

How can I get a Notary education?

A notary curriculum is not required in Georgia; however, there are many reputable providers of online Notary training. You should keep in mind that workshops or seminars aren’t part of what GSCCCA offers, and it doesn’t officially back any organizations that provide Notary training courses. Since the GSCCCA is not responsible for the review of Notary training providers, do your homework before working with any company.

Can I find help when getting trained as a Notary?

Some companies offer Notary training, provide supplies, carry insurance, and offer support throughout the entire application process. Furthermore, the GSCCCA website gives you steps for completing and submitting your application by yourself.

Is it legal to notarize in my local township?

Anywhere in Georgia, notaries can notarize legal documents.

Who am I allowed to notarize?

A notary cannot notarize documents for themselves. They are not allowed to notarize anything in which they have a stake. Even though Georgia does not stop you from notarizing family members or your spouse, this may be limited if you are doing it as part of your job.

How do I modify personal information?

For any changes in address, phone number, or name, the appellant should notify the appointing superior court clerk within 30 days. Notaries are required to finish the Notary Public Contact Information Change Form and send it to the appointing superior court clerk, with a copy provided to the GSCCCA. After making a name change, Notaries must get approval from the clerk before using a new seal and serving as a Notary under their new name.

What problems arise for me legally because I am a Notary?

Different amounts of legal risk exist. Notaries could be found liable for mistakes that occur by accident or by purposeful wrongdoing. A Notary can still face financial problems due to a lawsuit, even if they did nothing wrong. A company manages its risks more effectively when it continuously records everything accurately and adheres to the law.

How can I keep my Georgia Notary appointment active?

Going through renewal is much like the experience you had when you first applied. Notaries are allowed to apply for renewal at any time within 30 days before their commission expires. If the seal on your notary documents is due to expire soon, purchase a seal with the new expiration date and consider buying a record book, too.

Can notarization happen remotely online in Georgia?

Although RON isn’t allowed in Georgia, it is accepted in all other states. Understand how RON works and find out which state notaries can use BlueNotary. All the states that signed the agreement can.