Notary Public Certification on Resume

What Is Notary Public Certification

A Notary Public is a public officer constituted by law to serve as an impartial witness in the execution of documents and to administer oaths and affirmations. The commission to act as a Notary Public is issued by the Secretary of State or other designated authority in each state within the United States, making IT a state-specific certification. This certification validates core skills such as understanding legal documents, ensuring authenticity of signatures, and preventing fraud. The role of a Notary Public is significant in various industries, including real estate, financial services, and legal proceedings, where the integrity and authenticity of transactions and documents are paramount. Prerequisites for obtaining a Notary Public certification typically include being at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and residing in the state that issues the commission. Applicants must also pass a background check and complete required education courses on notarial acts and ethics. The commission remains valid for a specified period (usually four years) after which IT must be renewed by meeting the requirements set forth by the issuing state. Estimated preparation time for obtaining a Notary Public certification can range from several hours to a few days, depending on the applicant's familiarity with relevant laws and procedures, and the specific training requirements of their state. The difficulty level is generally low for individuals who are well-organized and detail-oriented.

Should I Include Notary Public Certification on Resume?

Including a Notary Public certification on your resume depends on the industry, career stage, and geographical location. If you're applying for positions in fields such as real estate, legal services, or banking, having this certification can be valuable. However, if you're in an unrelated field or early in your career, IT may not be necessary to include this certification on your resume. Freshly obtained certifications are generally more relevant than older ones, so including a Notary Public certification that you obtained many years ago might not add much value unless explicitly requested. In situations where geographical relevance is important, such as applying for positions in the same state where you're a Notary Public, IT can be particularly valuable to include this certification on your resume.

Hiring Managers And Notary Public Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers view a Notary Public certification as a demonstration of professionalism, integrity, and adherence to legal requirements.
• Specific skills or qualities associated with this credential include attention to detail, understanding of legal documents, and the ability to prevent fraud and ensure authenticity.
• In industries such as real estate, banking, and legal services, a Notary Public certification can be a strong advantage, as IT showcases the candidate's familiarity with relevant procedures and regulations.
• A Notary Public certification can set candidates apart from their competitors by demonstrating a commitment to upholding ethical standards and maintaining high levels of professionalism.
• However, in some cases, hiring managers may perceive this certification as less important if the position is unrelated to its traditional uses, such as administrative or entry-level roles.

How to List Notary Public Certification on Resume

• Format: "Notary Public (State Name), Commission Expires (Expiration Date)"
• Example: "Notary Public (California), Commission expires 2025"
• Certification number/ID: IT is optional but recommended to include the Notary Public number or ID for verification purposes. If included, IT should be written as follows: "Notary Public #123456"
• Expiration/renewal dates: Include the expiration date of your current commission and, if applicable, note any pending renewals by stating "Commission renewal pending."
• Certifying organization: IT is not necessary to include the certifying organization (Secretary of State or similar) as IT is assumed that the certification was issued by an official authority.
• In-progress certifications: If your commission is set to expire soon and you are in the process of renewing, list your current commission followed by "Commission renewal pending."

Where to List Notary Public Certification on Resume

• Dedicated certifications section: A dedicated section for certifications is ideal when applying for positions that require various professional credentials.
• Education section: If you don't have a separate certifications section, the education section can be used as an alternative, but IT may not always be the most visually appealing option.
• Summary: Including your Notary Public certification in the summary or professional profile section is optional but can be effective if space allows and the position requires this skill set.
• Multiple placements: If you have multiple certifications, list them in order of relevance to the position for which you're applying, starting with the most applicable.
• Order/hierarchy: When listing multiple certifications, place the Notary Public certification near the top if IT is directly related to the job, or at the end if IT is less relevant.

Examples of How to List Notary Public Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Software Engineer | Email | Phone Number | LinkedIn Profile Address | City, State Zip Code

Notary Public (California), Commission expires 2025 Sworn in by the California Secretary of State, ensuring legal document integrity and authenticity.

Technical Skills Programming languages: Java, Python, C++ Systems: Linux, Windows, macOS Databases: Oracle, MySQL, MongoDB Agile methodologies: Scrum, Kanban

Work Experience Company Name | City, State | Software Engineer I | Start Date - End Date ... (describe your technical work experience)

Why IT works: This format emphasizes technical skills and qualifications for a technical role. The Notary Public certification is included within the "Skills" section, highlighting its relevance to the job.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

John Doe | Email | Phone Number | LinkedIn Profile Address | City, State Zip Code

Notary Public (New York), Commission expires 2023 Sworn in by the New York Secretary of State as a responsible and trustworthy professional.

Education University Name | Degree, Graduation Date ... (describe your educational background)

Skills Communication: Strong written and oral communication abilities Leadership: Experience leading study groups and campus organizations Notary Public: Proven ability to maintain document integrity and confidentiality

Internship Experience Company Name | City, State | Legal Intern | Start Date - End Date ... (describe your internship experience)

Why IT works: This format focuses on the job seeker's education and skills, with the Notary Public certification listed as a relevant skill gained during their studies or internships. This is suitable for recent graduates looking to showcase their fresh qualifications while also highlighting their potential as a responsible and trustworthy professional.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Sally Johnson | Email | Phone Number | LinkedIn Profile Address | City, State Zip Code

Professional Summary: Highly motivated and detail-oriented legal assistant with 5+ years of experience in document management and organization. Notary Public certified in Colorado, with a commitment to maintaining professional integrity and ensuring document authenticity.

Certifications Notary Public (Colorado), Commission expires 2024

Work Experience Company Name | City, State | Legal Assistant II | Start Date - End Date ... (describe your work experience)

Why IT works: This format highlights the job seeker's certifications in a dedicated section that is easily scannable by recruiters. The Notary Public certification is presented alongside other relevant professional qualifications, showcasing a commitment to maintaining integrity and authenticity in document management.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Resume Summary: Results-driven paralegal with strong organizational skills and extensive experience in legal research and document preparation. Notary Public certified in Illinois, ensuring the accuracy and legitimacy of all legal documents.

Skills Legal Research: Proficient in locating, evaluating, and summarizing relevant case law, statutes, and regulations. Document Preparation: Skilled at drafting and organizing various legal documents, including pleadings, briefs, and contracts. Notary Public (Illinois), Commission expires 2026 Microsoft Office Suite: Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Time Management: Adept at managing multiple tasks and tight deadlines with minimal supervision.

Work Experience Company Name | City, State | Paralegal III | Start Date - End Date ... (describe your work experience)

Why IT works: This format focuses on the job seeker's skills and qualifications, placing the Notary Public certification within a list of relevant abilities. This is suitable for candidates who want to showcase their diverse skillset while also highlighting their commitment to legal integrity and document authenticity.