The Notary’s Oath of Office: A Pledge of Trust and Responsibility

Every individual applying for a notary commission or renewing their notary commission is required to take an oath of office. In most states, this oath is a pledge by the notary to faithfully discharge their duties, follow state laws, serve the public with honesty and integrity, support and protect both their state constitution and the United States Constitution, and affirm that they have read their state’s notary laws and understand their duties.

This oath holds notaries to the same ethical and professional standards as judges, legislators, and law enforcement officers.

Too often, notary applicants treat the oath as just another step in the commission process—a form to sign rather than a solemn promise to act ethically and responsibly as a trusted public official.

In states where the oath must be administered by a public official, often another notary, the problem is even worse. Many notaries who give the oath either do not understand its importance or do not know how to administer it properly. In many cases, they simply verify the applicant’s identification, affix their official signature, and notarize the form without asking the applicant to verbally affirm their commitment. This practice undermines the oath’s significance.

Notaries perform notarizations on transactions that may affect individuals’ property, finances, and legal rights. Taking the oath seriously means recognizing that every notarization carries weight and must be executed with honesty, diligence, and integrity.

If you are a notary, treat your oath of office as the foundation of your professional responsibilities. And if you administer oaths, take time to understand their significance and how they should be properly performed. Emphasizing the importance of the commitment being made reinforces the importance of the office and the and the public’s trust in every notarization.