In South Africa, What Does A Notary Public Do?
A Notary is an expert in the creation and legalization of specific documents that must be used as official documents both domestically and abroad. Documents that have been notarized by a notary public are taken to be accurate and legitimate.
Who In South Africa Is A Public Notary?
In South Africa, a Notary Public is an admitted attorney who has completed the competency test for notarial practice and has been approved by the High Court of South Africa to practice as a Notary Public. The Notary Public occupies a prestigious, globally recognized post.
What Types Of Tasks Does A Notary Perform?
Official document signings are managed and witnessed by notaries and notary signing agents.These obligations consist of the following: executing documents (legally binding signatures) affirming the mental state of each signatory
Requirements For A Career In Notary
A certificate or associate’s degree in criminal justice, political science, or paralegal studies may be useful for career growth even though there is no academic requirement to become a notary.
You do need to have a commission or license issued by the state, and depending on your job, experience may also be required. Strong organizational, multitasking, interpersonal, typing, Microsoft Office, and attention to detail are also required, as well as the capacity to pass a background check with no prior convictions.
How To Become A Notary In South Africa
Below are steps to Become A Notary In South Africa
Step 1: Submit Application
Applications to become a notary public are generally available from the secretary of state’s (SOS) office or website. The application requests information about criminal history, prior notary commissions and basic identifying information.
Depending on the state, applicants could be required to include an oath of office, which must be notarized and sworn to under the penalty of perjury.
Step 2: Attend Training
Notary public applicants are required to complete training covering the legal requirements and duties of this office. This training is necessary because, as a holder of an official state office, the notary is expected to know the laws governing their official duties.
Some states offer the classes online, while other states require the applicant attend the training in person. These training programs are intended to prepare the applicant for the notary public exam.
Step 3: Pass a Notary Exam
Some states require applicants to take the notary exam in person. Other states offer computer-based, online testing. After the exam is submitted, the state will advise an applicant if he or she passed within a certain time frame. If an applicant passes the exam, the state will provide him or her with a notary commission certificate and instructions for filing an oath of office.
Step 4: Purchase Notary Public Materials
Upon being notified of passing exam results, an applicant is required to purchase a journal or record book to record the official acts he or she will perform (if journal-keeping is required by the state) and a notary public seal. The state will provide a list of authorized vendors who sell the notary seal, along with an authorization for the notary to make that purchase.
Step 5: Take and File an Oath
A notary public is required to take an oath of office. The oath of office may be administered by the county clerk’s office, where the notary must appear in person.
The notary must also present his or her surety bond, if required, at the time the oath is administered. Once the oath of office is filed by the stare-required method, the notary can begin performing the official functions of the office
