Overview of Notaries
A notary public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.
Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure they are properly executed. The Notary identifies signers to screen out impostors and to make sure they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.
NOTE: A notary public in the United States may not have the same duties and responsibilities as those in other countries.
A notary public is not authorized to practice law.
A notary public may not give legal advice or prepare legal documents.
A notary public may not charge a fee for preparation of immigration documents or represent someone in immigration matters.
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Notary Public State at Large vs. Notary Public Special Commission |
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These are two separate commissions, with two separate commission dates.
A special commission notary is a resident or nonresident of Kentucky who is appointed by the governor of Kentucky to perform notarial acts inside or outside this state covering documents to be recorded in this state only. Click here for the application.
A notary public state at large is a resident or a nonresident of Kentucky who is appointed to perform notarial acts within the state of Kentucky, but these documents can go to other states for recording. Click here for the application.
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Notary Public Handbook |
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To download the Kentucky Notary Public Handbook (PDF, 585 KB), click here.
 Click the following link to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
If you would like to obtain a copy of the handbook, contact the Notary Branch at (502) 564-2848 extension 413, or click here to e-mail.
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Notary Lookup Service |
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Click here to search Kentucky Notaries from 1996 to present.
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Statutes |
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Contact |
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For more information regarding notaries, please contact the Notaries Branch of the Office of the Secretary of State:
- by phone at (502) 564-2848;
- by fax at (502) 564-1484;
- by Email; or
- by mailing your inquiry to: Office of the Secretary of State
Notary Branch
PO Box 821
700 Capital Avenue, Suite 86
Frankfort, KY 40601
The Office of the Secretary of State is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST.
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