Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Becoming A Notary In Rancho Cucamonga

By Megan Landry


There are many occasions in which companies, groups or individuals will have a need for documents to have their authenticity validated for legal purposes. Because of the high cost incurred when attorneys are involved, many would prefer to have a more affordable option available to them. For times such as these, a notary in Rancho Cucamonga, and other cities in the state of California, are quite necessary.

Notaries are appointed, or commissioned by the authority of a top level official in the government of the state. This is usually the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Treasurer or, as in California, by the Secretary of State. This is a voluntary, yet very important position carrying big responsibilities and having guidelines, rules and legalities that must be followed in order to avoid repercussions.

The responsibilities and duties of this position are not managed by any federal laws. This is strictly a matter of state and each one will set forth their own expectations, rules and guidelines for those they choose to endow with a commission. Some give their notaries the power to perform a number of legal and civil duties, while others find it necessary to grant only the basics.

When one has been given a commission, they have the right to perform their duties anywhere within the borders of the state that granted the appointment, but not in any other. Holding this position is not a given right, it is an earned privilege and it means accepting responsibility for legal repercussions if rules are not correctly followed. Discipline could be delivered as a suspension, a fine or even having one's power revoked.

In the state of California, there are certain criteria that one must meet before obtaining a commission in this field. They must first be at least eighteen years of age and a legal resident of this jurisdiction with no felony convictions. In addition, they must have the ability to read and write well and have a clear and concise command of the English language as they will be held accountable for the validity of the signatures they attest.

Each applicant must participate in a mandatory, Secretary of State approved, six hour training class either by attending a live seminar, taking an online course or following DVD instruction. One must receive a score of no less than 70% on this state-administered written test which will last for fifty minutes and contains thirty questions of multiple choice. Finally, a thorough background check must be passed in order to receive a commission.

In California, this position does not have the power to perform marriage ceremonies. They have two duties, the first being the ability to do acknowledgements, verifying the validity of signatures as they are placed upon certain papers. The second is that they can execute jurats which are oaths much like those taken in court and are just as binding.

Becoming a notary in Rancho Cucamonga is a privilege granted to those who are capable of passing all of the requirements of the position. The position only provides one the ability to certify acknowledgment of signatures and to execute jurats. These services are only legal when performed within California borders and while one's commission is still valid.




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