Notaries public have been a vital part of civil society for thousands of years. While today’s notaries often witness signatures or administer oaths, their origins trace back to ancient civilizations where they played a far more central legal role. As societies evolved, so did the duties and expectations placed on notaries—adapting to changing laws, economies, and digital technologies.
This article explores how the notary public profession has transformed from ancient scribes to modern remote notaries and why this role remains crucial in an increasingly complex digital world.
The story begins in Ancient Egypt, where scribes were among the first professionals to document official records. These scribes helped ensure property transfers, contracts, and royal orders were recorded accurately and preserved—a role that would echo across time.
In Ancient Rome, the profession matured. Roman society relied on two primary figures:
Roman notaries were respected legal intermediaries who ensured that transactions were transparent, fair, and enforceable. Their writings had legal weight, laying the groundwork for modern notarization practices around authenticity and impartiality.
As Europe entered the medieval period, written law became increasingly formalized. Notaries began to rise in prominence across both religious and civil spheres.
In the Catholic Church, notaries recorded baptisms, marriage contracts, donations, and other ecclesiastical records. At the same time, royal courts and city-states appointed notaries to draft legal documents involving land, inheritance, and trade.
Notaries’ official recognition by governing bodies made them unique during this time. Unlike informal scribes, medieval notaries had legal authority—granted through university training, guild membership, or direct appointments from kings, popes, or emperors.
| Type of Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Marriage contracts | Defined dowries, property rights, and family ties |
| Wills and testaments | Outlined asset distribution after death |
| Land transfers | Legally changed ownership between parties |
| Merchant agreements | Regulated international trade and shipping rights |
Their work became foundational to contract law and legal recordkeeping in many parts of Europe, especially in civil-law countries like Italy, France, and Spain.
European settlers brought notarial customs with them when they came to North America. In Colonial America, governors appointed notaries who typically served as official recorders for shipping, commerce, and land transactions.
As the United States developed, each state began to regulate notaries individually. This decentralized approach meant the notary public in the U.S. evolved into a more accessible, community-based role compared to the highly legal and specialized role in European civil law systems.
By the 19th century, American notaries were handling a broad range of civic functions:
They became known as legal facilitators and guardians against fraud, especially for everyday people navigating increasingly complex paperwork.
Fast-forward to the 21st century: technology has dramatically reshaped how notaries operate. While the core purpose remains—to act as impartial witnesses—the tools and methods have advanced in response to modern challenges.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is one of the most significant shifts. It allows notaries and signers to connect via secure video conferencing, review documents, verify identity digitally, and complete notarizations from different locations.
Electronic Notarization (eNotary) also enables paperless transactions, provided the notary and signer are in the exact physical location. Both approaches offer efficiency, flexibility, and—most importantly—continued legal integrity.
These changes gained rapid momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and have become standard practice in many states.
To better understand how far notaries have come, here’s a brief timeline highlighting significant shifts:
Each stage has built upon the last, demonstrating the profession’s ability to adapt while preserving its core value: trustworthy legal validation.
Digital innovation and global interconnectedness will likely shape the future of notarial practices. We can expect to see technologies like blockchain used to store notarized records securely and immutably. Biometric verification—such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning—could become a routine part of identity confirmation.
International agreements may also facilitate cross-border notarization, allowing documents notarized in one country to be accepted in another. This would be especially beneficial for business, immigration, and remote employment processes.
Yet, amid all this change, one thing is sure: human oversight, legal training, and ethical responsibility will remain essential. A digital stamp may replace ink, but trust will always be personal.
From ancient temples to Zoom calls, the notary public has been there—quietly making sure documents are authentic, agreements are honest, and the law is upheld. Their responsibilities have evolved with time, but the purpose remains unchanged: to protect the public by witnessing the truth.
As legal systems become more digital and complex, the need for impartial verification only increases. The history of the notary profession proves that when trust matters most, we still turn to a notary.
Whether you’re considering becoming a notary or expanding your qualifications with modern tools like RON, the Notary Public Association is here to help.
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Empower your notary career with training, tools, and trusted guidance built on centuries of experience.
Disclaimer: All information provided by Notary Public Association is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Notary Public Association makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information provided and assumes no liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. Always consult a licensed attorney or your local commissioning authority for guidance specific to your notary responsibilities and jurisdiction.
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