A notary public is a person who is appointed or commissioned by a state to act as an impartial witness to the signing of important legal documents. Notary public appointments are usually handled by a state’s Secretary of State’s office and require a potential notary to meet eligibility requirements, take a notary training course, and pass a state notary exam.
Many different types of legal documents may need to be notarized—such as an affidavit, contract, will, trust, power of attorney, power of attorney for health care, divorce papers, deed, mortgage, or deed of trust.
In Arkansas, a notary public is an individual commissioned by the Secretary of State to serve as an unbiased witness during the signing of important legal documents. To become a notary in Arkansas, one must meet certain eligibility criteria, which typically include being at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the United States, and a resident of or employed in Arkansas. Applicants are also required to complete a notary training course and pass a state-administered notary exam. The types of documents that may require notarization in Arkansas include affidavits, contracts, wills, trusts, powers of attorney (including those for health care), divorce papers, deeds, mortgages, and deeds of trust. The notarization process helps deter fraud and ensures that the signers of documents are who they claim to be and are signing knowingly and willingly.