Is It a Notary License or Certificate?
Short answer
A notary public typically receives a **notary commission**, often called a license or certificate, from the state government authorizing them to perform official acts like witnessing signatures. While the terms license and certificate are sometimes used interchangeably, the formal credential is usually a commission that grants legal authority to act as a notary.
What is a Notary License or Certificate?
A common question is whether a notary holds a license or a certificate. In plain terms, a notary license and a notary certificate usually refer to the same thing: the official authorization you receive to work as a notary public. This authorization is commonly called a notary commission because it is a formal commission granted by the state government.
When you become a notary, the state issues a document that confirms you are legally permitted to witness signatures, administer oaths, and perform other notarial acts. This document may be referred to as a commission certificate or simply a commission. Some states provide a physical certificate, while others issue a letter or card that serves as proof of your notary status. This credential is different from a professional license like a driver's license or medical license, though it serves a similar purpose: proving you have official permission to perform specific duties.
How Does a Notary Commission Work? A Hypothetical Example
Suppose Maria decides to become a notary public in her state. She completes the required application, passes the exam, and pays the necessary fees. The state then issues her a notary commission certificate, which lists her name, the dates her commission is valid, and the official seal or emblem of the issuing agency. This certificate authorizes Maria to notarize documents within her state for a set period, usually four years.
Maria uses this commission to notarize a document for her friend John. John needs to sign a power of attorney form, and Maria follows the correct steps, verifying John’s identity and witnessing his signature. She then places her official notary seal on the document and signs it herself, indicating she performed the notarization. If Maria did not have her commission, John’s document would not be legally valid for this purpose.
This example highlights how the notary commission certificate gives Maria the legal authority to act as a neutral witness and protect against fraud in important transactions.
Why Does It Matter Whether It’s Called a License or Certificate?
Understanding what credential a notary holds helps clarify their legal authority. Some people assume a notary simply has a "license," like a driver’s license, but the official term in most states is a commission certificate. This distinction matters because:
- It signals a specific legal authorization granted by the state.
- It confirms the notary has met all state requirements.
- It allows others to verify the notary’s authority easily.
Knowing these details is useful if you need to hire a notary or become one yourself. When you see a notary’s certificate, you know they have been vetted and officially empowered to carry out their duties.
What Are Common Terms People Confuse with Notary License or Certificate?
Several terms around notaries can cause confusion:
| Term | Meaning | How It Differs from License/Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Public | The person authorized to notarize documents. | The individual, not the credential |
| Notary Commission | The official document granting notary authority (often what people mean by license/certificate). | The formal credential issued by the state |
| Notary Seal | The physical stamp or embosser used to authenticate notarized documents. | A tool, not the authorization itself |
| Notary Bond | A surety bond some states require to protect the public from errors or misconduct. | Insurance-related, separate from the license/certificate |
| Notary Certificate | Also refers to the signed certification on a notarized document, confirming the act took place. | Different from the commission certificate |
Understanding these terms helps reduce confusion when dealing with notaries.
What Should You Do if You Want to Become a Notary?
If becoming a notary interests you, here are the general steps:
- Check your state’s requirements on the official government website.
- Complete any required education or training.
- Submit an application and pay the fee.
- Pass a background check or exam if required.
- Receive your notary commission certificate from the state.
- Obtain your notary seal or stamp.
- Keep a journal of your notarizations as required by your state.
Each state’s process varies, so always consult your local Secretary of State or relevant agency. The commission certificate you receive upon approval is your official authorization to perform notarial acts.
How Can You Verify a Notary’s Commission?
If you need to verify a notary’s credentials, you can usually:
- Ask to see their current notary commission certificate.
- Check the issuing state’s online notary database, which lists active commissions.
- Confirm the commission’s expiration date to ensure it is current.
This verification step helps protect you from fraud by ensuring the notary is properly authorized to notarize your documents.
What is the Difference Between a Notary Commission and Notary Certificate on a Document?
When a notary notarizes a document, they include a notary certificate on the document itself. This certificate is a statement that identifies the notary, confirms they witnessed the signature, and is part of the notarization process.
This notary certificate on the document is different from the notary commission certificate issued by the state. The commission certificate is the notary’s official license to act; the notary certificate on a document is a record of the act performed.
Understanding this difference helps you recognize the roles of these documents in notarization.
Why Might the Term “Notary License” Be Used Informally?
Some people casually call the notary commission a "license" because it functions similarly — it grants legal permission to perform a regulated activity. However, because each state’s terminology varies, "license" is not the official term in most cases. Stick with "commission" or "commission certificate" for accuracy.
For more on what a notary is and why it matters, see Notary: What It Is and Why It Matters. To clarify terms, check Is It Notary or Notary Public?.
Frequently asked questions
Do all states call the notary credential a commission?
Most states refer to the credential as a notary commission, but terminology can vary. Some may call it a certificate or license informally. Always check your state’s official terms on the government website.
Can a notary public notarize documents in any state?
No. A notary’s commission is valid only in the state that issued it. Notaries cannot perform official acts outside their commissioning state.
Does a notary commission have an expiration date?
Yes. Notary commissions typically last 4 years but this varies by state. They must be renewed to maintain authority.
What happens if a notary notarizes without a valid commission?
Unauthorized notarizations can be invalid and may lead to legal penalties for the notary. Always verify commission status before notarizing.
Is the notary seal the same as the notary commission certificate?
No. The seal is the stamp used on notarized documents, while the commission certificate is the official authorization to act as a notary.