Notaries Public are "commissioned" (i.e., licensed) by the Secretary of State. Notarial functions include:
- administering oaths and affirmations;
- taking affidavits and depositions;
- receiving and certifying acknowledgments or proof of such written instruments as deeds, mortgages and powers of attorney; and;
- demanding acceptance or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes and obligations in writing, and protesting the same for non-payment
Many banks, law offices and other institutions which deal in financial or real property transactions employ individuals who are commissioned as Notaries Public. It is the responsibility of licensees to understand the Notary Public Law.
Term is four years.
What has the County Clerk's office to do with notaries? Notaries Public are commissioned in their counties of residence. After receiving and approving an applicant for a notary public commission, the Secretary of State forwards the commission, the original oath of office and the signature of the notary public to the appropriate county clerk. The county clerk maintains a record of the commission and signature. The public may then access this record and verify the "official" signature of the notary at the county clerk's office.
- Do you need to renew your license? Click here to review change in law.
- Notary Public License law revised January 2023: click here
- Remote Notarization FAQs: click here
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