Notary Public Day

Notary Public Day, observed annually on November 7, honors the vital public service of notaries and their role in verifying, witnessing, and authenticating documents.

History of Notary Public Day

The day was established in 1975 by the American Society of Notaries (or earlier by allied associations) to recognize the contributions of notaries to both national and international commerce.
The date, November 7, was selected to commemorate the appointment of Thomas Fugill as America’s first notary public in the Colony of New Haven in 1639 (old Julian calendar October 25)—which corresponds to November 7 in the modern Gregorian calendar.

Why is Notary Public Day important?

Notary Public Day offers a moment of recognition for the often-unsung public officials whose work underpins the trustworthiness of many legal and commercial transactions. Their role in verifying identities, witnessing documents, and administering oaths helps prevent fraud and ensures that papers carry weight and authenticity.
In an era where many transactions move online and global commerce is interconnected, acknowledging notaries also underscores how traditions of verification and witnessing evolve but remain foundational to governance, legal systems, and public confidence.

• It honors the contributions of notaries in serving the public and commerce.
• It highlights the role of notaries in preventing fraud and verifying authenticity.
• It reminds communities of the importance of impartial witnessing in transactions.
• It invites respect for a profession rooted in history yet active in modern systems.
• It supports awareness of the evolving notarial practices (including online notarization).

How to Celebrate Notary Public Day

Celebrating Notary Public Day can be meaningful both for notaries themselves and for those who work with them. If you are a notary, it’s a chance to reflect on professional standards, perhaps undertake continuing education, or engage in outreach about the value of notarization. If you’re a member of the public, you might reach out with thanks, learn more about what notaries do, or choose a reputable notary for a document-matter you’ve been putting off.
You could also host or participate in a small event — such as a seminar or online chat — focused on notarial practice, recognition of excellence, or public education around document integrity.

• Send a thank-you or note of recognition to a notary you know.
• Research how to become a notary in your jurisdiction and share the information.
• Choose your notary thoughtfully if you have documents to notarize, appreciating the role they play.
• Arrange or attend a short session about notarization, its importance, and changes.
• Share the hashtag #NotaryPublicDay and mention stories of how notarization helped you or someone you know.

Notary Public Day Dates Table