The State License Information section provides official details about a commissioned Notary Public, confirming that the individual is legally authorized by their state to perform notarial acts. Every licensed notary operates under the guidelines and supervision of their respective State Secretary of State Office or authorized agency. This ensures all notarizations are carried out lawfully, ethically, and with full accountability.
State licensing ensures that only qualified and trustworthy individuals can serve as Notary Publics. The license (also known as a Notary Commission) grants the holder the legal authority to:
Administer oaths and affirmations.
Witness and verify signatures on legal documents.
Certify copies of important records.
Prevent fraud and verify the identity of signers.
Holding an active state license confirms that a notary has successfully completed all required education, background checks, and examinations mandated by their state.
All notaries are encouraged to make their license information publicly available for transparency and client assurance. Clients can verify a notary’s credentials directly through the official state verification portal or the Secretary of State’s online database. Verification ensures that:
The notary’s commission is valid and current.
The notary has met all state-mandated requirements.
The notarial acts performed are legally binding.
Maintain an official notary journal for all acts performed.
Use a state-approved notary seal on every notarized document.
Follow the ethical and procedural guidelines outlined by their state.
Renew their license before the expiration date to maintain active status.
Report any changes in address, name, or commission status to the issuing authority promptly.
Displaying state license details builds public trust and ensures legal transparency. Clients, businesses, and government agencies rely on licensed notaries for secure, authenticated documentation. By maintaining an active license, a notary demonstrates:
Commitment to legal integrity.
Compliance with professional standards.
Dedication to protecting the interests of the public.