Notary Public Day
Notary Public Day is observed on November 7. It recognizes notaries public and the role they play in helping people complete important documents with care and proper procedure. The day is also a chance to learn what notarization does—and what it does not do.
How Notary Public Day Started
According to the American Society of Notaries, its Board of Directors established Notary Public Day in 1974 to recognize and applaud the services notaries provide. The board proclaimed November 7 as the annual observance. The date also marks the appointment of America’s first notary, Thomas Fugill, on October 25, 1639, according to the Julian calendar; that date corresponds to November 7 on the Gregorian calendar used today.
Notaries public are appointed or commissioned under rules that vary by location. Their duties and permitted services can differ, too. In many settings, a notary checks a signer’s identity, witnesses a signature, or administers an oath. The precise steps depend on the document and local law.
What Notaries Do
Notarization is a formal step associated with certain documents and transactions. A notary may help confirm that the person signing is who they say they are and that the signature is made willingly. For some documents, the notary may also ask the signer to swear or affirm that the information is truthful.
A notary does not automatically verify that every statement in a document is accurate, provide legal advice, or guarantee that a document will achieve a particular result. Notarizing a signature is not the same as approving the document’s contents. If you are unsure what a document requires, check with the organization requesting it or a qualified legal professional.
Notaries may work in a range of settings, including offices, financial institutions, government agencies, and independent businesses. Some places also allow remote notarization under specific rules. Because requirements vary, it is wise to confirm what kind of notarization is accepted before arranging an appointment.
Preparing for a Notarization
A little preparation can make a document-signing appointment smoother. Requirements differ, so follow the instructions from the notary and the organization that will receive the document. In general, it helps to:
- Ask which forms of identification are accepted and bring the required identification.
- Check whether every signer needs to appear in person or whether another permitted option is available.
- Wait to sign if the notary needs to witness the signature.
- Make sure the document is complete, while leaving any required signature or date fields blank until instructed.
- Find out whether witnesses, additional forms, or a particular notarial certificate are needed.
These steps are especially useful for documents being sent to another state or country, since the receiving organization may have specific requirements. When in doubt, ask before signing rather than risk having to redo the paperwork.
Ways to Celebrate Notary Public Day
Notary Public Day can be a practical occasion to appreciate a service that often helps people handle meaningful paperwork. Consider these simple ways to take part:
- Thank a notary whose careful work has helped you or your community.
- Learn the basic notary requirements in your area through an official local government or licensing resource.
- Review an upcoming document’s instructions and confirm what notarization, if any, it requires.
- Share a clear reminder with family or coworkers to bring the right identification and avoid signing too early.
- If you are a notary, use the day to review your local rules, update your knowledge, and make your process easy for clients to understand.
When is Notary Public Day?
Notary Public Day: Every year on November 7.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 7 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 7 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 7 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 7 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | November 7 | Thursday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 4, 2026 · Last updated November 4, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is Notary Public Day in 2026?
Notary Public Day is on Saturday, November 7, 2026. After that, it falls on Sunday, November 7, 2027. Every year on November 7.
Is Notary Public Day a public holiday?
No. Notary Public Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
How did Notary Public Day start?
The American Society of Notaries’ Board of Directors established the observance in 1974 to recognize notaries’ services. November 7 corresponds to the date America’s first notary, Thomas Fugill, was appointed, according to the Gregorian calendar.
What does Notary Public Day celebrate?
It recognizes notaries public and their role in helping people complete important documents with care and proper procedure. The day also encourages people to learn what notarization does and does not do.
How can you celebrate Notary Public Day?
Thank a notary, learn about local notary requirements, or check what notarization an upcoming document needs. You can also remind others to bring accepted identification and wait to sign until instructed.
Sources
✓ Date matches American Society of Notaries: Notary Public Day (checked automatically on November 3, 2026).
