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Your Local Notary Notary Services
History of Notary Public Services
The History of Notary Public Services: A Global Timeline
The role of a Notary Public is deeply rooted in legal history, dating back to ancient civilizations. From the Roman Empire to modern-day digital notarizations, notaries have played a vital role in the authentication of documents, the prevention of fraud, and the facilitation of trustworthy transactions. Below is a comprehensive timeline highlighting key events and milestones in the evolution of notarial services.
📜 Ancient Rome (1st Century BCE)
The origins of the Notary Public can be traced to ancient Rome, where “notarii” and “scribae” were responsible for drafting legal agreements, recording public proceedings, and witnessing important contracts.
• These individuals were official record-keepers for legal and commercial dealings.
• They acted as trusted third parties who helped ensure the authenticity of documents and transactions.
🏰 Middle Ages (9th–15th Century)
During the Medieval period, notarial practices expanded throughout Europe, especially in Italy, France, and Spain. Notaries were appointed by papal authority, local monarchs, or city-states, and their work was considered essential to civic life.
• Notaries were authorized to administer oaths, certify legal instruments, and preserve public records.
• Many European countries still follow the civil law notary model, distinct from the common law notary public in the U.S.
🔗 Learn about the civil law notary system – International Union of Notaries (UINL)
📖 12th Century: The Term “Notary” Emerges
By the 12th century, the title “notary” was widely recognized across Europe. It described individuals entrusted with legal formalities, such as the authentication of contracts and the certification of signatures.
• Notaries were often required to undergo formal legal training.
• Their acts held probative value, which meant they could be directly admitted into court as evidence.
🔗 Explore the history of notaries – Notaries of Europe
🏛️ England (13th Century): The Rise of the Scrivener
In 13th-century England, the role of the scrivener emerged—precursors to today’s notaries. Scriveners were skilled in reading, writing, and legal drafting, often working in the service of royal courts and merchants.
• Scrivener notaries were authorized by the Archbishop of Canterbury and later by the Master of Faculties.
• This tradition continues today, with scrivener notaries playing a unique role in international transactions.
🔗 Read about English notarial history – The Notaries Society UK
🇺🇸 Colonial America (17th Century)
When English settlers arrived in North America, they brought with them the common law notarial system. Notaries were appointed by colonial governors or legislatures to perform critical duties.
• They were responsible for administering oaths, taking affidavits, and certifying documents.
• Their role was foundational in the development of the legal and commercial systems of the early colonies.
🔗 Colonial notaries in the U.S. – Library of Congress
⚖️ 19th Century: Standardization and Regulation
The 19th century marked a period of growing regulation in the United States. States began enacting laws that defined:
• The appointment process for notaries public
• Required training or testing
• Authorized acts and duties
States like California and New York began to require notaries to keep detailed journals, use official seals, and pass state-administered exams.
🔗 California Secretary of State – Notary Public Section
🔗 New York Department of State – Notary Information
💻 20th Century: Modernization and Technological Advancements
The 20th century saw the modernization of notary practices with advances such as:
• Typed documents and photocopies
• Digital recordkeeping
• Regulated fees and ethical standards
By the late 1990s, states began to adopt electronic notarization (eNotary) laws, allowing notaries to use digital signatures, electronic seals, and secure online platforms.
🔗 National Notary Association – Guide to eNotarization
🌐 Present Day: Remote and Online Notarization
Today, notaries continue to play a crucial role in legal, financial, real estate, and immigration transactions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving business needs, many states now authorize:
• Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• Secure video-based authentication
• Digital certificates and tamper-evident seals
As of 2023, over 40 states have adopted RON laws. For up-to-date information, refer to the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).
Why the Notary Public Still Matters
From papyrus scrolls in Rome to digital seals in the cloud, notaries public have remained impartial witnesses, protectors of integrity, and gatekeepers of legality. They ensure that:
• Signatures are authentic
• Signers act willingly and knowingly
• Documents are executed with legal formality
Today, notaries continue to be appointed by state governments and must comply with state-specific training, testing, and ethical standards.
🔗 United States Department of State – Authentication of Documents