11/16/2023
1. **Appointment Process:**
In Georgia, individuals seeking to become a notary must submit an application to the Clerk of Superior Court in their county of residence.
2. **Term Length:**
The term for a notary public in Georgia is four years.
3. **Renewal Requirements:**
Notaries must renew their commission before the expiration date. Renewal applications follow a similar process as the initial application.
4. **Qualifications:**
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Georgia, and able to read and write in English.
5. **Notary Education:**
While not required, completing a notary education course is highly recommended to better understand notary duties and responsibilities.
6. **Seal and Stamp:**
Notaries in Georgia are required to use a seal or stamp on documents they notarize. The information on the seal must match the commission certificate.
7. **Notary Journal:**
Keeping a notary journal is not mandated by Georgia law, but it is a recommended practice for maintaining a record of notarial acts.
8. **Fees:**
Georgia notaries are authorized to charge fees for notarial services, but the fees must be reasonable and agreed upon by both parties.
9. **Remote Online Notarization (RON):**
Georgia permits remote online notarization, allowing notaries to perform notarial acts for individuals located outside their physical presence using approved technology.
10. **Prohibited Acts:**
Notaries in Georgia are prohibited from notarizing their own signature, acting as a witness when they have a financial interest, and notarizing documents for family members.