Notary Public: Government Employee or Independent Professional?

A common question arises: Is a notary public a government employee? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While notaries play a crucial role in various legal and business processes, they are not considered government employees in the traditional sense.

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is an individual appointed by a state government to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents and to administer oaths. While they provide a public service, notaries are usually private individuals. This means they operate their own businesses or may work within organizations.

The Role of a Notary Public in Texas

In Texas, a notary public is a commissioned official authorized by the state to perform specific duties related to verifying signatures and administering oaths. Notaries are private individuals who are appointed by regulating organizations such as the Faculty of Notaries Public or governmental entities like courts or state governments.

The Function of a Notary Public in Nigeria

In Nigeria, a notary public plays a significant role as a lawyer appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to perform non-contentious services like attesting signatures, taking oaths, and affixing seals. Notaries are not employees of the government but are entitled to charge reasonable fees for their services.

Can a Notary Public Be a Government Employee?

It is indeed possible for a government employee to become a notary public for their job. In such cases, the individual would be both a government employee and a notary public. Many notaries are public officials appointed by the governments of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories to serve their citizens as trusted impartial witnesses to document signings.

Our focus here is not on government employees but on professional notaries. Becoming a notary involves obtaining a commission from the relevant state government. This process can take several weeks and involves training, background checks, and a fee.

Notary Not as a Government Employee but as an Independent Professional

Although notaries serve the public, they operate independently. Notaries are not salaried government employees but are self-employed individuals who charge fees for their services. Notaries are responsible for ensuring the authenticity and legality of documents they sign or notarize, which adds significant value to their work.

For those interested in becoming notaries, our organization offers comprehensive services to help individuals become Notary Signing Agents. Notary Signing Agents can earn between 75 to 175 per loan closing they complete. Whether you work part-time or full-time, there are opportunities for everyone in this profession.

To learn more and get started, visit our website or follow the link provided to access more resources and support.