Embarking on a career as an international notary offers exciting opportunities to work with diverse clients globally. Read on to explore ten essential steps that will guide you through this rewarding path, ensuring that you are well-equipped with the tools to excel as a notary.
10 Steps to Become an International Notary
All students need to take the following steps to become a notary, but these steps won’t allow you to go international. To do that, you’ll need one extra step found at the end of this article.
Step 1: Make Sure You Meet All of Your State’s Qualifications
Before you aspire to become an international notary, it’s essential that you meet all the criteria set by your state. Each state has unique requirements. For example, some states mandate applicants to be at least 18 years of age, or they must legally reside in the country.
Step 2: Complete and Submit an Application
Once confident about fulfilling your state’s qualifications, complete your notary commission application form provided by your state’s notary regulating official or department. Be sure to fill out the application accurately and completely to avoid any delays in processing.
Step 3: Pay the State’s Filing Fee
Each application typically comes with a filing fee that may change depending on your state’s regulations. This fee covers the expenses of processing your application and permits further progress in becoming an international notary. After this step, you can start your training.
Step 4: Get Training From an Approved Education Vendor
Education is vital in enhancing your notary resume and ensuring you reach the global stage successfully performing international notarial acts. Seek training from approved education providers offering courses that focus on important national and international aspects of a notary.
Step 5: Pass a State-Administered Exam
As a prospective professional international notary, passing a rigorous exam administered by your state stands as the ultimate test of whether you’re qualified or not for this position. Study thoroughly and give yourself ample time for preparations before taking this crucial examination.
Step 6: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
Demonstrating a clean record is pivotal for reputational purposes when pursuing this career. For this reason, submitting fingerprints and undergoing background checks are compulsory steps before becoming a licensed international notary. However, some states don’t require this step.
Step 7: Receive Your Commission Certificate From the State
Once you have cleared all required steps, wait for approval from the state commissioning body issuing your certification as evidence of your successful accomplishment. Keep this document safe as you progress to the next stages, as you’ll need to fully become a registered notary.
Step 8: Get Your Surety Bond
Obtaining a surety bond serves to protect the public against potential malpractice and errors in your duties as an international notary. A surety bond preserves trust and confidence in your services, proving essential while moving from local to international clientele.
Step 9: File Your Commission Paperwork With a Notary Regulating Official
Filing your commission papers is a formal step that finally makes you an authorized international notary. Ensure the submission of all vital documents, including your bond, is offered to the regulatory body designated by your state, marking another crucial milestone in this profession.
Step 10: Buy Your Notary Supplies.
Equip yourself with the appropriate tools necessary for providing comprehensive international notary services, such as a high-quality embosser or stamp, record book, inkless thumbprint pad, and specialized seals for various countries where you wish to perform professional services.
How to Take it to the International Stage
Technically, an international notary by designation doesn’t exist. In some cases, an attorney can become one if they’re in good standing with their state’s bar for at least 5 years. But if you’re taking traditional notary training, you’ll need to join the military to work internationally.
The only personnel authorized to perform notarial acts outside of the United States are US Consular Officers and US Military Notaries. Thus, we recommend getting hired by the military.
Interesting Related Article: “Apostille vs Notary – What is the Difference? “