You might be wondering what is a notary public and how do I find one? A notary public is a public official who has the right to administer oaths and affirmations by the state. They watch you sign a document to prove that you are, in fact, the one signing it.
When you go to a notary public, you must bring your ID then sign the document. After that, they will put a stamp on the document to confirm that they witnessed it.
If you are struggling to find a notary public, keep reading to learn where to find one.
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Where to Find a Notary Public
Anyone could become a notary public, but here are some of the most common places where you can find one.
- Your company: Usually, administrative assistants can notarize documents and it is likely that they will do it for free.
- Your bank: Banks usually have notaries and are also able to provide Medallion Guarantees. These are similar to notary publics, however, they have stricter requirements. If you need one, be sure to call your bank to confirm when they will be present.
- Your pharmacy: Many pharmacies, such as Walgreens or CVS, offer notary services also. However, it is more likely that independent pharmacies offer them, but it can’t hurt to call and find out.
- Your library: Your local public library may have a notary that is usually free or for a very low cost. But, they might only offer it at certain locations and times, so be sure to check ahead of time.
- AAA: A member benefit of AAA is that you can gain access to a notary public for free, usually. Non-members also have access to it but at a cost.
- UPS store: Almost every UPS Store owner is a notary, but I recommend calling your local store to find out if they offer notary services.
- Search Google: If you can’t seem to find one at any of these locations, search for local notary publics on Google.
Become a Notary
As mentioned previously, anyone can become a notary and it is not too difficult. The cost is generally inexpensive, at around $11 for the application. You will also have to pay for supplies, such as a record book, but a commission lasts for four years.
However, do keep in mind that you can’t notarize your or your family’s documents. You aren’t allowed to notarize anything that could benefit you or that you have a vested interest in.
Author’s Verdict
If you need a document notarized and can’t find where to do it, hopefully this article helped you. There are many places that offer notary services, so I’m sure you will be able to find one near you.
In addition, we have a list of bank promotions to get some extra cash in your pockets today. You may also want to check out savings accounts if you want to get started on saving up money.
