Clayton County, GA - Clerk of Superior Court

Complete Notary Public Applications On-line - Linda T. Miller, Clerk of Superior Court, announces that new and renewal notary public applications will now be filled out on-line beginning June 1, 2008. In an effort to provide ease and convenience, the Clayton County Superior Court Clerk's Office, in conjunction with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority, has developed an on-line notary public application process. Visit the GSCCA at http://www.gsccca.org/Projects/npapp.asp to complete and print the application on-line. Once all the necessary signatures are obtained, simply bring the notary public application to the Superior Court Clerk's office fore expedited processing. The Superior Court Clerk's office is located at 9151 Tara Blvd., Suite 1CL25, Jonesboro, GA 30236.

We hope that you find this service to be beneficial as the Clayton County Clerk's Office continues to explore and implement new ways to improve services delivered to the citizens of Clayton County.

Notary Public Commission Information

What is a Notary Public?
How do I apply?
When can I apply?
What next?
How Long is my commission appointment?
What do I need to do if I move during my commission term?
What do I do if my name changes during my commission term?
I'm not sure I know all that I need to know about being a Notary?
How can I renew my commission before it expires?
How can I renew my commission once it expires?
Notary Complaint Form

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is a person of proven integrity appointed by a Clerk of Superior Court to serve the public as an impartial witness in taking acknowledgments, administering oaths and affirmations, and performing other acts authorized by law. Notaries are required to follow simple instructions and exercise common sense judgement and discretion when executing their office.

Notarization does not guarantee the truth or accuracy of statements in a document. The notary has no obligation to verify a document's content or to indicate he/she has knowledge of the contents of the document or of the copy certified. Notarization does not legalize or validate a document. A document with errors before notarization will contain the same errors afterwards.

Who can become a Notary Public?

In order to be appointed as a Notary Public in the County of Clayton, you must:

Be a resident of Georgia
Be a resident of Clayton County
Be at least 18 years of age
Be capable of reading and writing the English language

How do I apply?

You must complete an on-line application for Notary Public Commission. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE A COPY OF THE APPLICATION FOR NOTARY PUBLIC COMMISSION.
Fill out the form completely- including any criminal convictions (with the exception of minor traffic offenses) you have had. Do Not sign application. Application must be signed in front of clerk's office employee.
Have two other residents of Clayton County who are not related to you and are at least 18 years of age to fill out the endorsement sections of the applications attesting to your good moral character.
Present the notary public commission application in person to the Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court's office along with verification of your Clayton County residency (i.e. valid Georgia driver's license with current Clayton County address or State of Georgia ID card with current Clayton County address).
The fee is $30.00. Forms of payment accepted: cash or money order payable to Linda T. Miller, Clerk or Visa or Mastercard.

When can I apply?

The Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court's office is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding county-recognized holidays). CLICK HERE FOR A SCHEDULE OF COUNTY-RECOGNIZED HOLIDAYS. No appointment is necessary.

What next?

You will receive a certificate of appointment from the Clerk's office. You may then go to any office supply store and purchase your notary stamp and seal. Most notaries choose a stamp/seal combination (which is a rubber stamp) rather than an embossing seal and a separate rubber stamp listing your commission appointment term.

How long is my commission appointment?

A notary commission in the State of Georgia is four (4) years.

What do I need to do if I move during my commission term?

Whether you move to another county or stay within Clayton County, your commission will still be registered through Clayton County for the entire four years. You must notify the Clerk's office (with a copy to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Authority, 1875 Century Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30345, (404) 327-6023 or (404)327-9058) of your change of address. Be sure to include your name, your commission dates, your old address and your new address.

What do I do if my name changes during my commission term?

If your name legally changes during your commission term, you must appear in person at the Clayton County Clerk's office. You must present a letter which includes your old name, the new name and the dates of your commission along with proof of legal name change. The Clerk of Superior Court will prepare an amended certificate to you with your new name. You may then take that certificate to any office supply store and purchase a new seal and stamp. Once these steps have been completed, you may begin signing with your new name.

I'm not sure I know all that I need to know about being a notary.

The American Society of Notaries has published a Georgia Notary Handbook which is available in the Clerk of Superior Court's office for a cost of $10.00. The handbook contains information on Basic Notary Guidelines, Notarial Fees that you are entitled to, Recordkeeping, Notarial Acts, Responsibilities of a Notary Public and a Reference Guide among other subjects.

For additional information concerning Notary Public Commissions, please visit the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority at http://www.gsccca.org/Projects/npapp.asp.

How can I renew my commission before it expires?

Complete an on-line application at http://www.gsccca.org/Projects/npapp.asp.
Present the notary public commission application in person to the Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court's office along with verification of your Clayton County residency (i.e. valid Georgia driver's license with current Clayton County address or State of Georgia ID card with current Clayton County address).

The fee is $30.00. Forms of payment accepted: cash or money order payable to Linda T. Miller, Clerk or Visa or Mastercard.

How can I renew my commission after it expires?

Once your commission has expired, you will need to apply as if it were your first time to apply. Refer to "How do I apply?" section.

Notary Complaint form

Use the following form if you wish to file a complaint.

Notary Public Complaint Form (pdf)