Qualifications for becoming a Notary

Who can become a Notary?

There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Georgia. Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a legal resident of the Georgia county in which you apply, or be a resident of a state bordering Georgia who is employed or carrying out a business or profession in the county in which you apply

• Be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.

• Be able to read and write English

• Have and provide an operating telephone number

 

What kind of training will I need?

Training is not required for Georgia Notaries, but the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority does provide a free online course that explains Notary law and basic Notary procedures. You may also request "The Georgia Notary Handbook" through the Notary Handbook Online Order System or fill out the Notary Handbook Mail-In Order Form on the GSCCCA website.

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Do I need to take an exam?

No, passing an exam is not required to become a Notary in Georgia. The state does offer an optional Notary Public Final Exam for $10 if you choose to take their online training course.

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What kind of supplies will I need?

You'll need a Notary seal for every notarization you perform. The Notary seal may be an inked stamp or an embosser and must contain the following information:

• Your name as it appears on your commission

• The words "Notary Public"

• The word "Georgia" or "GA"

• The county in which you are commissioned

Your commission expiration date on the seal is optional but strongly recommended by the state, as this is required for some notarizations.

When shopping for seal stamps, quality and durability can vary greatly among vendors. Stamps should not bleed during or after use, as this can cause county officials to reject documents due to smudging. A second seal can help you avoid downtime if your seal is ever misplaced, and an embosser can help add an additional layer of fraud prevention security.

While a Notary journal is not required by law, Georgia considers it a best practice for Notaries to use a Notary record book. When purchasing a journal, there are a few important features to which you must pay close attention. A journal with numbered pages and tamper-proof sewn construction allows Notaries to identify missing pages in their journals, which becomes extremely helpful if you're ever named in a lawsuit. Simple notebooks or glue-bound journals simply do not offer the same level of security.

Supplies are sold by most vendors in packages, which can sometimes provide savings. However, not all vendor packages are created equal — they can vary greatly in terms of quality and content. If you are a new Notary or renewing your commission, the types and quantity of notarizations can require different tools of the trade.

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Do I need a surety bond or insurance?

No. A bond is not required for Georgia Notaries, but many choose to purchase optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies to protect themselves from legal expenses. E&O insurance is not a requirement in Georgia.

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