Identification

• A notary public is a state-appointed official who verifies the identity of document signers and witnesses the signing of the documents. Notaries also administer oaths, take affidavits and affirmations and certify copies.
  
  

Requirements

• Anyone who is 18 or older and lives in the state of Kansas, or in a border state and conducts business in Kansas regularly, may apply for a notary public license. The applicant must not have a criminal record. Before submitting an application, the applicant must obtain a bond in the amount of $7,500. If the notary fails to perform his duties properly, the damages will be covered by the bond. The applicant must also attach a clear impression of the stamp. The stamp must have the name exactly as it appears on the application and the words "Notary Public" and "State of Kansas." The applicant must take an oath in front of a notary public. The Kansas Secretary of State office will review the application and will mail the certificate and a wallet card to the applicant upon approval.
  
  

Function

• A notary public can notarize documents in her jurisdiction, within the state of Kansas. Unless she is licensed in other states, she may not notarize documents outside of this jurisdiction. She may notarize documents from out of state, as long as she does it within her jurisdiction and the notarial certification states "State of Kansas" and the name of the county where it takes place.
  
  

Considerations

• Although Kansas state law does not require notaries to keep a journal or a log book, a notary public may want to keep a record for protection from liability. The law in the state of Kansas does not have a statutory fee schedule and does not prohibit a notary public from charging reasonable fees for the services.
  
  

Warning

• If a notary has a financial interest or a benefit in the document, he should not notarize it. If he is signing the document, he should not notarize it. A notary public should not notarize a document without the signer present. A notary should also not notarize a blank document or a signed document if the document was not signed in the presence of the notary.