State of VermontOffice of the Secretary of State
State of VermontTo become a notary public, you must be appointed by the judges of the Superior Court of the county in which you reside, unless you are an ex-officio notary public. You should apply in person or in writing to the county clerk, fill out an application form, pay the $20 fee and take the following oaths:
- You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will be true and faithful to the State of Vermont, and that you will not, directly or indirectly, do any act or thing injurious to the Constitution or Government thereof. (If an oath) So help you God. (If an affirmation) Under the pains and penalties of perjury.
- You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will faithfully execute the office of notary public for the county of ____________ and will therein do equal right and justice to all persons, to the best of your judgment and ability, according to law. (If an oath) So help you God (If an affirmation) Under the pains and penalties of perjury.
You must then sign the oath form, and have it signed by the officer administering the oath. This officer may be a justice of the Supreme Court, Superior judge, assistant judge, justice of the peace, judge of the District Court, notary public, or the presiding officer, secretary or clerk of either house of the General Assembly or the Governor.
If the officer is a notary public, that notary need not affix his or her official seal to the certificate of an oath. County clerks and clerks of the District Court may certify the oaths administered by them under the seal of the court. 12 V.S.A. §§5852, 5854.
You should then have the certificate of appointment filed and recorded in the office of the county clerk where it has been issued.
The process takes only a few minutes, if done in the office of the county clerk. From the moment your appointment form is filed with the county clerk, you will be a notary public.
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