A little reason to celebrate
Notary Public Day
History ยท November 7
A look at notaries public, the officials who verify identities and witness signatures on important documents across the United States.
Notary Public Day falls on Saturday, November 7, 2026. That is 11 days away.
A notary public is an official appointed by a state to witness the signing of important documents. The job is to confirm that the people signing are who they say they are and that they are signing willingly. That quiet check helps keep deeds, affidavits and other papers trustworthy.
Most people meet a notary at a bank, a shipping store, a law office or a town hall. The visit is usually brief. You bring the document unsigned, show a photo ID, sign in front of the notary, and watch them add a signature, a date and an official seal or stamp. Many notaries also keep a journal recording each act they perform.
The seal is the part people remember. Some notaries use an inked rubber stamp, others an embosser that presses raised letters into the paper. Rules about seals, fees and training differ from state to state, because each state sets its own requirements for its notaries.
A notary does not judge whether a contract is fair or explain what it means. In most states that would count as giving legal advice, which notaries are generally not allowed to do unless they are also lawyers. Their role is narrower and steadier: identity, willingness, and a careful record.
The next time a document asks for notarization, leave the signature line blank until you are standing at the notary's desk. That one habit saves a second trip.
Ways to celebrate
- Thank the notary at your bank or local office for their careful work.
- Look up your state's rules for becoming a notary public.
- Find out which nearby offices offer notary services before you need one.
- Look closely at an embossed seal and feel the raised letters.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, November 7 |
| 2027 | Sunday, November 7 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, November 7 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, November 7 |
| 2030 | Thursday, November 7 |
All national days on November 7
Also on November 7
Categories: History days