Posted by Roger_OH on 7/2/07 9:59am
Msg #198098

Question regarding notary commissioning in your state...

In your state, what's the procedure for new notary applications? Does one apply directly to the SOS office in your state capital, or is it through, say, the clerk of courts in their own county?

We have to do the latter in Ohio, and I'm researching what the application procedure is in other states. Particularly interested if your county court system is involved in approving notary applications or handling notary disciplinary actions. Also, is there any specific statute in your state that prohibits a felon from holding a notary commission?

Thanks in advance, guys.

Reply by Becca_FL on 7/2/07 10:29am
Msg #198102

Hi Roger,

Notary applications in Florida are processed by the SOS. Convicted felons can be commissioned in Florida if their civil rights have been restored.

Reply by LJ on 7/2/07 10:44am
Msg #198106

IL

Apply through SOS
Obtain bond
Record commission with county clerk
Commissioned for 4 years
Sent a renewal application through SOS. Does not automatically renew.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 7/2/07 10:49am
Msg #198107

Re: WI

Though the SOS
Obtain bond and seal first (a$$backwards in my opinion)
Meet on Wednesdays to commission and/or renew
unless you are an attorney with a a permanent commission, you renew every 4 yrs

Reply by dickb/wi on 7/2/07 1:20pm
Msg #198162

and all misdemeanors and felonys have to be reported to....

the state of wi not only for notaries but also all licensees [attornies--doctors--chiropractors--real estate--mortgage brokers--nurses---car sales--etc.] the state will determine if it will affect your renewal or not....i had a traffic accident and had to send in the whole acc report [which was thick].....i know that the dept of regulation and licensing is looking at several cases of drunk driving to determine if they will renew or rescind the parties current license......

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 7/2/07 11:10am
Msg #198113

Applications are processed through the SOS, but we send our application and fee to a bonding company.

Reply by Michael/FL on 7/2/07 11:14am
Msg #198117

I think that is ridiculous. Once your a criminal and lose your rights you should not be able to get them back ever!

For Florida it's as becca said with the SOS also we go through a bonding company as Sylvia said below.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 7/2/07 11:39am
Msg #198122

Michigan

In MI, you are commissioned by the Office of the Great Seal (Dept of State) but the oath of office is administered by your County Court Clerk (county of residence or significant place of business).

You must be free of felony convictions currently and for the previous ten years, in any state. This is by our MICHIGAN NOTARY PUBLIC ACT, Act 238 of 2003, 55.271 Sec. 11 and 55.301 Section 41.

Complaints, investigations and penalties are the jurisdiction of the SOS.

Reply by MelissaCT on 7/3/07 9:57am
Msg #198307

Re: Connecticut

* Take open book test, which is also application, send $60 to SOS (must report all felonies/misdemeanors & SOS determines if commission is granted)
* Receive commission
* Take commission to city clerk (everything here is done locally in 169 towns/cities -- no county anything), pay $10 to register, take oath, record signature
* Get stamp/seal, although not required in CT

Note, if you answer a question on open book test incorrectly, the exam will be returned to you with the incorrectly answered question circled in red (know this by word of mouth, not personal experience, by the way)

I think that's all...renewal is through mail also -- similar procedure.

Must record name change, address change. Must be state resident or have primary place of business in CT. If residency/employment in CT ceases, commission must be terminated.

Reply by TRG_wy on 7/2/07 12:01pm
Msg #198137

Wyoming SOS office for application, test and fee.
No felons allowed, must be 18 and speak English
SOS sends certificate to County Clerk where you pick it up, get sworn in, and show proof of bond. With certificate you can get new seal.
Term is four years.
If you move to different county you must re-apply
No commission numbers used here.
SOS handles all complaints and penalities.

Reply by SharonMN on 7/2/07 12:04pm
Msg #198139

Question regarding notary commissioning in your state...MN

In Minnesota, you get your commission from the SOS (governor) but then you have to pay another fee and lodge your signature in your county of residence.

Reply by JanetLA on 7/2/07 12:48pm
Msg #198151

Louisiana

Here we apply to take a test that is administered twice a year by the SOS. However, it's a very comprehensive five hour exam that involves scenarios from which we must prepare a testament and mortgage for the people as indicated in the exam, as well as many other questions. Most people don't it on the first try. We must have affadavits from people attesting to our character, and then we are appointed by the governor after having met the requirements including passing the exam. We are commissioned for life, never expires. We are required to have errors and ommissions insurance and a bond here, the minimum being $10,000. Our commission is very different since we can actually prepare documents for clients including wills, mortgages, trusts and more.

Reply by GerriNILA on 7/3/07 1:06pm
Msg #198343

Re: Louisiana

Each parish (county, in other states) has their own application process.

http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/notary-pub/notary-exam.htm#application

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 7/2/07 12:50pm
Msg #198152

Pennsylvania

Application is through Secretary of State's office, specifically the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation, then Division of Commissions, Legislation and Notaries (whew!).

In Allegheny County only, the newly-appointed notary must register with the Clerk of the Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas - this is the only "court involvement" of any part of the process and it's Allegheny County only and it's in addition to registering with recorder of deeds and prothonotary as for all other counties. Don't know the history behind this requirement!

SOS handles disciplinary actions.

Applicant (new or reappointment) cannot have been convicted or or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony of lesser offense incompatible with the duties of a notary public during the five (5) year period preceding the date of the application, or have had a prior notary public commission revoked in any state during the five (5) year period preceding the date of the application.

Reply by Dave_CA on 7/2/07 1:27pm
Msg #198166

California

We have to take an approved course for initial appointment and renewal. At the end of the course you take the test and results are sent to the SOS along with your application. The SOS will review the application and test results. When you are notified that you passed you are given the information to get a "live scan" fingerprint check and the the SOS does the background check. When you pass that you are sent your commission and the necessary information to have your seal (stamp) made, to obtain the necessary $15,000. bond and take it to the county clerk's office where you subscribe and file your oath of office. This must be completed within 30 days from the date your commission is issued. You are then good for another 4 years.
If the Notary renews their commission within 6 months they are not required to do another "live scan".
The requirements to qualify as a notary public are:
Resident of CA.
18 or older.
pass written exam.
Read, write and understand English.
Pass background check.
There are many grounds for refusing to grant a commission but, regarding yo question about a felony conviction the code says .
The SOS may refuse to appoint any person as a notary public or may revoke or suspend the commission of any notary public upon any of the following grounds:
(b) Conviction of a felony, a lesser offense involving moral turpitude, or a lesser offense of a nature incompatible with the duties of a notary public.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 7/3/07 1:20am
Msg #198280

Re: California

It might also be worth noting that the companies that make notary stamps also must be registered with the SOS and have a number issued to them. (I imagine the process is similar to becoming a notary, bgc, etc., but I don't have any specific information about that.) In order to purchase a notary stamp, we have to submit an official 'Letter of Authorization" from the SOS to the stamp maker and their number also has to appear along the borders on our stamps.

Reply by Gerry_VT on 7/2/07 1:39pm
Msg #198173

Go to the county clerk's office, fill out a form, swear an oath, pay $20, show ID, and you are immediately a notary (or so says the county clerk). The commission, signed by the side judges of the county court, arrives in about three days in the mail.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 7/2/07 1:58pm
Msg #198181

NY

Applicants sit for a test; if you pass, you get an application from the Secretary of State. This includes an oath of office to be given by another notary; these are filed with the SOS, along with a signature sample. Your commission arrives in 4-6 weeks. Term is for four years, reappointment is by the county clerk in the county where you qualified. You cannot be appointed if you've ever been convicted of a felony or any of a short list of misdemeanors. Discipline is through the SOS or the courts, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Reply by Kathy Bond on 7/2/07 9:01pm
Msg #198251

ID

Obtain Bond
Stamp
renew every 6 years
All commissions go through the SOS.