Cameron Miranda
A notary public in Connecticut is a public official appointed by the Secretary of the State. They are empowered to perform a number of notarial acts, including taking depositions and issuing subpoenas, executing jurats, and performing copy certifications. However, they are not authorized to give legal advice. Connecticut notary law does not require notaries public to maintain a journal of their notarial acts, but a notary journal can be used as a first line of defense in court if a notarial act is questioned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a CT notary advise about law? | No, CT notaries cannot give legal advice. |
| Who should you contact for legal advice? | A licensed attorney authorized to practice law in Connecticut. |
| What is the maximum fee a CT notary can charge? | $5 per act plus $0.35/mile for travel expenses. |
| What is the minimum age to become a CT notary? | 18 years old. |
| Is residency in CT required to become a notary? | Yes, residency is required, or the applicant must have a principal place of business in Connecticut. |
| Is a notary journal required in CT? | No, but it can be useful in proving innocence if a notarial act is questioned. |
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What You'll Learn
Notary licensing requirements
To become a notary in Connecticut, applicants must be 18 years of age or older and reside or have a principal place of business in the state. Applicants will need to complete an application online. If the applicant has previously been a notary in the state but their commission has lapsed, they will need to email the office and request reinstatement.
All notaries must take an oath of office before they can perform any notarial acts. The notary's certificate of appointment contains a panel for recording the administration of the oath. The maximum allowable fee that a Connecticut notary public may charge for any notarial act performed is $5, plus an additional $0.35 for each mile traveled.
Connecticut notary law does not require notaries to maintain a journal of their notarial acts. However, a notary journal can be used as a defense in proving innocence if a notarial act is questioned or if the notary is requested to testify in court about a past notarial act.
In Washington state, a notary license is required to witness and verify the identities of individuals during document signing. Applicants can apply online or by mail. A temporary license may be available for those moving to the state with a current license from another state.
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Notary journals
A notary journal, also known as a record book, log book, or register book, is a record of notarial acts. It is a notary's first line of defence if they are called to testify in court about a notarial act they performed in the past. It is also a great deterrent to fraud.
Notary.net offers a notary records journal in both soft and hard covers. The soft cover is available for California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii, while the hard cover, which is more durable, is available for all states and jurisdictions.
The American Association of Notaries (AAN) also offers notary books or journals with a one-year membership that includes essential updates on new notary laws, expert advice from top professionals in the notary field, an e-notary journal, a free listing in their national online notary and signing locator, and more.
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Notary fees
In Connecticut, the fee for a new notary commission is $120, and the fee to renew a notary commission is $60. Notary commissions are valid for five years and can be renewed during the 90-day period before expiration and up to 90 days after expiration. If your commission has lapsed, you must request reinstatement by emailing [email protected]; you cannot use the new application process. The fee for a name change is $15.
The maximum allowable fee that a Connecticut notary public may charge for any notarial act performed is $5, plus an additional $0.35 for each mile travelled. In Hamden, CT, the fee to record an original commission of notary public is $20 as of July 1, 2018, per PA 18-136. This must be recorded in the town of residence of the notary and may also be recorded in the town or towns in which the notary does business.
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Notary renewal
In Connecticut, notary public commissions are valid for five years. Approximately 90 days before the expiration of a notary's term, the Connecticut Secretary of State's office sends a letter or email notifying them of the upcoming expiration. This notification includes a PIN required to access the online notary renewal application. Renewal applications can be submitted online quickly and easily. The fee to renew a notary commission is $60.
If you have previously been a notary in Connecticut, but your commission has lapsed, you must request reinstatement by emailing the office at [email protected]. You cannot use the new application process. You should provide your name as it appears on your notary certificate and your license number, if possible.
All notaries, whether new or renewed, must take an oath of office before they can perform any notarial acts. The oath may be administered by any official with the authority to do so, but it may be convenient to take the oath of office from the town clerk. The notary's certificate of appointment contains a panel for recording the administration of the oath.
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Notary misconduct
A notary public must be aware of the laws and regulations that govern their state. Notary misconduct can result in serious penalties, including civil and criminal liability. A notary is liable for all damages caused by their misconduct and can be sued for financial losses incurred by the involved parties. Disciplinary action may also be taken against the notary, including suspension or revocation of their commission.
In the event that a notary's misconduct enables a crime to occur, they may be subject to criminal liability. The state's commissioning authority has the power to suspend or revoke the notary's commission for violations of state notary laws. Additionally, the notary may face civil liability, with the involved parties having the right to sue and recover damages.
It is important to note that the employer of a notary public may also be held liable if they coerce the notary to break notary laws or perform an illegal act. Both the notary and the employer can be held jointly and severally liable for damages if the employer was aware or should have been aware of the notary's official misconduct.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a CT notary cannot advise about the law. By law, they cannot give legal advice. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters.
A CT notary can perform notarial acts such as executing jurats, acknowledgments and proofs, taking depositions and issuing subpoenas, and performing copy certifications. They can also administer oaths and marry people, if they have the proper credentials.
The maximum allowable fee that a Connecticut notary public may charge is $5 per notarial act, plus an additional $0.35 for each mile travelled.
