I get questions so often asking what is Notary Public that I thought this would be a good place to start a blog.  Since there is much distinction regaring duties, requirements, and expectations of Notaries I will only address my area.  In Alabama, a notary public is a public officer appointed and commissioned by the probate judge of the county in which they reside.  I am commissioned through the probate judge of Madison County here in Alabama.  Notary Public holds office for a term of four years from the date of their commission.  My commission ends August 2009.  The duties of a Notary Public vary from state to state.  In Alabama, Notaries Public has varying responsibilities including witnesses and authenticating documents.  We may have to complete acknowledgements or witness document signing such as promissory notes, limited power of attorney, bills of excange, conveyance of property or a number of different documents.  We keep a register of all our official acts and require identification of all persons we serve.  Using a Notary Public can be a really good way to minimize understandings and to have validation and documentation of agreements and arrangements that could benefit you in the future should there ever be a difference of opinion.  It is also beneficial when you need documentation that you allow someone else to sign your signature in your absence.  What better way to document and verify your situation than a neutral 3rd party that authenticates your authority to do so.

Many people ask can you only find a Notary Public at a bank or institution.  True, many of these places do have a Notary Public on the premises, however you can find a Notary Public in a number of different places.  I am a Notary Public for Alabama State-at-Large.  My jurisdiction is wide and my services are not connected with any one institution, company, or business.  Meaning I do not have to notarize documents in any one location.  I can provide on-site services for a number of reasons such as those listed above.  I serve the communities of Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Toney, Harvest, Hazel Green, Owens Crossroads, Meridianville, Ryland, and Brownsboro.  The majority of my work deals with witness of document signing, acknowledgements, promissary notes, and limited power of attorney for real estate transacations.

I hope this was helpful in understanding the duties of a Notary Public and also a good starting place for this new blog.