Notary License Lookup: How to Verify a Notary Public

Why you should verify a notary before signing, where to check credentials, and how to spot a legitimate commission.

A notary license lookup is a public-records search that confirms a notary public holds an active, valid commission in the state where they're notarizing. Every state's Secretary of State (or equivalent) publishes a searchable database.

Why you should verify a notary: a defective or fraudulent notarization can void a real estate deed, a will, or a power of attorney — sometimes years after the fact. Confirming the commission is current takes two minutes and protects every document you sign.

Notary commission vs notary license: most states use "commission." A handful (and many directories colloquially) use "license." Both refer to the same thing — official authorization from the state to perform notarial acts during a specific term, usually four to ten years.

Where to check notary credentials: your state's Secretary of State website is the authoritative source. Most states offer a free public search by name, commission number, or county. For signing agents, the NNA's signing agent verification confirms background screening and current certification.

Information you may need for a lookup: the notary's full legal name (as commissioned), their commission number, and the state where they're commissioned. Some states also let you search by county.

Signs of a legitimate notary: an active commission number listed on every notarization, a clear physical service area, current E&O insurance, willingness to show their commission certificate, and a clean professional appearance with proper journal and seal.

Red flags: refuses to provide a commission number, claims to be commissioned in multiple states (each state requires a separate commission), pressures you to sign without ID verification, asks for excessive fees beyond the state's statutory cap, or insists on notarizing a document you've already signed without a re-signing.

Find a verified notary on the NotaSealPros directory — every listed notary has been vetted for active commission, current E&O insurance, and recent professional activity.