How To Become a Notary in Utah
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Notary in Utah
UTAH
7/23/20233 min read
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Notary in Utah
Becoming a notary public in Utah is an esteemed position that allows you to serve your community by witnessing and authenticating various legal documents. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to understand the entire process and what it entails.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Notary Public
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a public servant appointed by the state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.
Step 2: Meet the Basic Qualifications
Before you begin the process, ensure that you meet the basic qualifications. In Utah, you must:
Be 18 years old or older
Be a legal resident of the state of Utah
Be able to read, write, and understand English
Have no felony convictions
Step 3: Complete the Required Notary Training
Utah requires all aspiring notaries to complete a mandatory training course. This course will cover topics such as notary laws, notary procedures, and ethical considerations.
Step 4: Pass the State Notary Exam
Once you have completed the training, you will need to pass a state-administered exam. The exam will test your knowledge of the information covered in the training course.
Step 5: Submit the Notary Application
After passing the exam, you can apply to become a notary. The application will ask for personal information, your training completion certificate, your test results, and a $95 application fee.
Step 6: Purchase a Notary Bond
A notary bond protects the public from any mistakes you might make during your commission. In Utah, you're required to purchase a $5,000 notary bond.
Step 7: Get Your Notary Supplies
You'll need a notary seal and a journal to record your notarial acts. These supplies can be purchased through various online retailers.
Step 8: Await Your Commission
Your commission will come in the mail a few weeks after you submit your application. Once you receive your commission, you're officially a notary public in the state of Utah!
Further Resources:
For a more in-depth look at the notary public role, requirements, and process in Utah, the Utah Government website has extensive resources available.
Remember, as a notary public, you're expected to uphold a high level of integrity and professionalism. Make the most out of this new opportunity to serve your community!
(Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of the date of writing. Always check with your local government or state department for the most current information.)
A Brief History of Notary Public in Utah
The notary public profession has a long and storied history worldwide, and Utah is no exception. The role of the notary public has been vital in the authentication of legal documents, thus fostering trust and reliability in these crucial processes.
Early History
Origins of Notary Public
The office of notary public originated in ancient Rome, where they were known as "scribae," "tabellius," or "notarius." They were appointed to transcribe state papers, register the decrees of magistrates, and keep records.
This idea eventually made its way to the United States with the establishment of the New York Notary Act in 1775, which formally recognized notaries as important civil officers.
The Utah Territory Era
In the Utah Territory era (1850-1896), notaries public played a vital role in the legal and administrative processes of the day. As the Territory of Utah moved toward statehood, the need for trusted public officers who could authenticate documents and attest to the authenticity of signatures became increasingly important.
The notaries of this time were commissioned by the territorial secretary and were tasked with duties such as acknowledging deeds, mortgages, liens, etc. They also took affidavits, depositions, and protests, and administered oaths and affirmations.
Modern History
20th Century to Present
In modern times, the role of notaries public in Utah continues to be crucial, though it has adapted to changing times and evolving needs. The process of becoming a notary has become more stringent, with requirements for education, examinations, and background checks.
In the 1990s, the Utah Notary Public Act was introduced, which set forth qualifications for becoming a notary public, duties and responsibilities, grounds for denial, revocation, suspension, etc., and administrative procedures.
The act was amended in 2005 to include more specific language about the qualifications for notaries and the guidelines for performing notarial acts. It also expanded the duties and responsibilities of notaries in line with the growing needs of the public.
In recent years, the digital era has brought about a new chapter in the history of notary public in Utah. With the introduction of remote online notarization (RON), notaries can now perform notarial acts over the internet using audio-visual technology. Utah was among the early adopters of this technology, passing the necessary legislation in 2019.
Notaries public in Utah today are expected to adhere to high ethical standards and are entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the notarial process. The profession continues to evolve in response to societal needs, reinforcing the important role that notaries public play in our society.
References:
Please note that some details about the early history of notaries in the Utah Territory are extrapolated from historical roles of notaries in other U.S territories, as specific historical data for Utah during this time is scarce.