As long as industries like banking and real estate are strong, they'll
need notaries to handle important documents.
Notaries ensure that both parties enter into a contract willingly, and
that both parties are who they say they are. If they can't verify the identity
of both parties, they won't notarize the document. Some important documents
that are typically notarized are wills, real estate deeds and affidavits.
"In three states [Florida, Maine and South Carolina], notaries may solemnize
marriages. Many states allow them to certify copies of certain documents,
excluding vital records such as marriage, birth and death certificates. Louisiana
notaries are civil law notaries with attorney-like powers to draft documents,"
explains Carol Eisman, public affairs coordinator for the Association of Notaries
Public.
Notaries can be employed by banks, private companies, title offices --
anywhere important legal documents are signed. Those employed by a company
usually have other duties as well, and are often paralegals, secretaries or
managers. Self-employed notaries can offer on-the-spot services.
"For those seeking to be traveling notaries, the ability to travel freely
and move without restriction is vital. Most of the world is still not very
wheelchair-friendly or accommodating to those with limited mobility," advises
Thomas Murotake, a self-employed notary.