Why Listing Notary Public on Your Resume is a Smart Career Move

Having a notary commission on your resume signals trustworthiness, attention to detail, and legal knowledge. Here is why it matters and how to list it.

What Employers See in a Notary Commission

• Background check passed. California requires a Live Scan background check. Having a commission tells employers your record is clean.
• State exam passed. You studied notary law and passed a state-administered test. That shows discipline and follow-through.
• Bond and oath filed. You obtained a $15,000 surety bond and took an official oath. This is not something people do casually.
• Legal knowledge. You know how to verify identities, administer oaths, and handle documents correctly. Useful in any office setting.

Which Jobs Value Notary Credentials Most

• Real estate: Agents and escrow officers who are also notaries can handle signings in-house instead of outsourcing. This saves brokerages $50 to $150 per signing.
• Legal services: Law firms benefit from having staff who can notarize affidavits, declarations, and other court documents without scheduling an outside notary.
• Finance and banking: Loan officers and financial advisors who can notarize save their clients a trip. Many bank branches specifically hire notaries.
• Government: Many government positions either prefer or require notary status. City clerks, county offices, and DMV locations often list it as a qualification.
• Human resources: HR professionals who can notarize employment verification and I-9 documents add real value, especially at companies with high hiring volume.
• Healthcare administration: Hospitals and clinics need notaries for advance directives, consent forms, and insurance paperwork.

How to List It on Your Resume

Put it in a “Certifications” or “Licenses” section:

• Notary Public, State of California — Commissioned [date] through [expiration date], Commission #[number]

If you perform notarizations as part of your current job, mention it in your work experience:

• “Perform notarizations for real estate closings, loan documents, and affidavits as a commissioned California notary public.”

Listing Notary on LinkedIn

Add your notary commission in the “Licenses and Certifications” section on LinkedIn. Include the state, commission number, and expiration date. This makes your profile show up when recruiters search for “notary” or “notarized documents.” If you offer mobile notary or signing agent services, add those keywords to your headline or About section.

Keep your LinkedIn profile updated when your commission renews. An expired commission listed as current is worse than not listing it at all. Set a calendar reminder for your renewal date so you can update the expiration on LinkedIn the same day.

Skills You Develop as a Notary

• Identity verification: You know how to check government IDs and confirm someone is who they say they are.
• Document review: You scan documents for completeness and compliance before notarizing.
• Communication: Explaining legal documents to signers in plain language is a core notary skill.
• Ethical judgment: Notaries must refuse improper requests. That shows integrity.
• Record-keeping: Maintaining a journal of official acts builds organization habits.

How to Become a Notary in California

If you are not yet commissioned, the process takes about 3 to 5 months:

1. Complete a state-approved notary education course.
2. Pass the state exam.
3. Submit your application and get Live Scan background check.
4. File your $15,000 surety bond and take the oath of office.
5. Receive your commission and order your seal.

See our cost guide for the full breakdown of expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put notary public on my resume if I rarely use it?

Yes. The commission shows you passed a background check and a state exam. That information is useful to employers regardless of how often you notarize.

Where on my resume should I list my notary commission?

In a “Certifications” or “Licenses” section, or under your work experience if you perform notarizations as part of your job.

Do employers care about notary credentials?

Many do, especially in real estate, legal services, finance, and government. Even outside those fields, it signals reliability.

Can I list my notary commission if it has expired?

No. Only list an active commission. If it expired, remove it or note the dates it was active. If you are in the process of renewing, you can say “Commission renewal pending” with the original commission number. Never list an expired commission as if it is current. If an employer checks with the Secretary of State and finds it inactive, it hurts your credibility.

Does being a notary help with job interviews?

It can, especially for roles that involve documents, compliance, or client interactions. Mention specific examples of how you used your notary skills. For instance: “As a commissioned notary, I verified identities and notarized loan documents for 20+ clients per week.” If you are interviewing for a position in real estate, law, or finance, bring it up proactively. The hiring manager may not have noticed it on your resume.

Should I add my notary commission to LinkedIn?

Yes. Add it in the “Licenses and Certifications” section with your state, commission number, and expiration date. It helps recruiters find you for roles that value notary credentials.