What are the Steps to Become a Wyoming Notary Public?
Under the state's laws, a notary in Wyoming is seen as an officer of the state. As such, their duty is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents. This is to prevent fraud and they may acknowledge documents such as powers of attorney, deeds, and mortgages among other items. They are also authorized by the state of Wyoming to issue affirmations and oaths.
To become a notary in the state, and use an official Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal to prevent fraud, you must do several things. These include:
- Meeting all eligibility criteria as listed in the Notary Handbook
- Swear to the oath of office
- Complete and sign the application for a commission
- Obtain a surety bond and provide proof of it
- Obtain an official Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal
What Steps Need to be Taken to Avoid Notary Fraud?
There is no special examination or test that must be passed, but this does not mean that the duties of a notary or the use of the Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal can be taken lightly.
As already stated, it is the primary duty of a notary in Wyoming to prevent fraud.
This means that obtaining a Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal that meets the state's specific criteria is part of the work. The individual must purchase their own seal and it has to meet the following guidelines:
- The Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal can be an engraved/embossed seal or a rubber stamp
- The Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal can be rectangular or circular. If rectangular the dimensions of the seal cannot exceed .75" x 2.5". If circular it must be no more than 2" in diameter.
- The edge of the Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal must depict a milled or serrated border
- On the Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal there has to be very specific text. It should feature: the name of the notary as commissioned, the title "Notary Public", the name of the county in which the notary resides, the name of the state written simply as "Wyoming"
To ensure that your Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal is valid, request a proof copy before it is made. Also, keep in mind that the phrasing on the Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal has to be an identical match to your certificate of commission. If there were errors on the certificate, have those corrected before you order the Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal.
Though the name of your county will appear on your Wyoming Notary Public stamp and seal, you are able to notarize freely throughout the entire state. The notary commission is not going to be considered valid outside of the state, with the exception of the state of Montana which currently recognizes the validity of documents with Wyoming notarization.
However, as in all states, the work of the notary has to be done properly. It is more than signing and sealing a document. There is also the need for notarial wording and jurats for many documents. It is your job to understand what is required, and though you may not have had any training, you may want to use the voluntary tests that the state makes available online.
The commission you were given lasts for four years, and after that you must renew and obtain an updated seal. Keep this in mind when purchasing the device as a low quality seal is likely to print blurred or uneven text, creating an unprofessional finish. Go with the best vendor and get the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic requirements to become a Wyoming notary public?
To become a Wyoming notary public, you must meet the eligibility requirements in the Wyoming Notary Handbook, swear the oath of office, complete and sign the commission application, obtain a surety bond, and purchase an official Wyoming notary public stamp and seal that meets state requirements.
Does Wyoming require a test or exam to become a notary public?
No, Wyoming does not require a special exam to become a notary public. However, notaries are still responsible for understanding notarial acts, fraud prevention, and proper use of the Wyoming notary stamp and seal, so reviewing available state resources and training is strongly recommended.
What must be included on a Wyoming notary public stamp and seal?
A Wyoming notary public stamp and seal must include the notary’s commissioned name, the title “Notary Public,” the county of residence, and the state name written as “Wyoming.” It must also have a milled or serrated border and follow the state’s size requirements.
What size and shape does a Wyoming notary seal need to be?
Wyoming allows either a rectangular or circular notary seal. If rectangular, it cannot exceed 0.75" x 2.5". If circular, it must be no more than 2" in diameter. The seal can be an engraved, embossed, or rubber stamp style as long as it meets state rules.
How long is a Wyoming notary commission valid?
A Wyoming notary commission is valid for four years. When the commission expires, the notary must renew and order an updated Wyoming notary public stamp and seal to match the new commission information.
Can a Wyoming notary perform notarizations throughout the state?
Yes, a Wyoming notary can notarize documents anywhere in the state, even though the county name appears on the stamp and seal. The commission is generally not valid outside Wyoming, with the exception that Montana currently recognizes Wyoming notarizations for certain documents.
