When you think of a notary public today, you probably imagine someone verifying your identity, stamping your documents, and ensuring your signature is official. But did you know that notarization has existed for over 2,000 years?
The notary’s role has evolved through centuries of law, trade, and social change — yet its purpose has remained the same: to uphold trust, authenticity, and integrity in legal and business transactions.
Let’s explore how notarization began, how it developed, and why it continues to be a cornerstone of legal systems worldwide.
Ancient Origins: The First Notaries in Rome
The concept of notarization dates back to Ancient Rome, around the 2nd century B.C.
Roman “notarii” and “scribae” were educated individuals who specialized in writing, recording contracts, and documenting legal proceedings. They were trusted public officials responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring fairness in transactions.
Their main duties included:
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Drafting wills, contracts, and deeds
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Witnessing agreements between merchants and citizens
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Ensuring written records matched spoken testimony
The Romans valued written proof so highly that these early notaries became essential to public trust — a principle still true today.
The Middle Ages: Notaries in Europe
As the Roman Empire declined, the Catholic Church and later European monarchies carried on the notarial tradition.
By the 12th century, notaries were officially recognized in Italy, France, and England. The Papal Chancery appointed “ecclesiastical notaries,” while kings authorized “royal notaries” to authenticate legal acts.
These notaries ensured that documents used across countries and courts were considered legitimate, laying the foundation for international legal standards.
The Colonial Era and Notarization in America
When European settlers arrived in North America, they brought the notarial system with them.
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The first American notary was appointed in 1639 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
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Colonial notaries handled wills, deeds, trade documents, and shipping manifests.
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Their seals symbolized the same trust and legal weight as those in Europe.
By the time the United States was founded, each state began regulating its own notaries — a system that remains today.
Modern Notarization: From Paper to Digital
For centuries, notarization required in-person verification, a physical seal, and paper documents.
However, as technology advanced, the notarial process adapted.
Modern developments include:
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Electronic notarization (eNotary): Digital signatures with encrypted certificates.
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Remote Online Notarization (RON): Allows a signer and notary to meet over a secure video platform.
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Digital recordkeeping: Electronic journals and tamper-evident seals ensure security.
These innovations make notarization faster and more accessible while maintaining the same legal and ethical standards that have existed for millennia.
Why Notarization Still Matters Today
Even in the digital age, notarization remains crucial for:
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Preventing fraud and forgery
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Ensuring informed consent
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Protecting legal rights and property
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Creating documents that stand up in court
Whether it’s a power of attorney, a real estate deed, or a business agreement, notarization continues to provide an impartial layer of trust and verification.
The Legacy of Trust
From ancient Roman scribes to today’s online notaries, the notarial profession has always stood for one thing — trust.
It bridges the gap between private agreements and public confidence, ensuring that what’s signed today holds value tomorrow.
At Looking Glass Notary, we’re proud to carry on that tradition — combining centuries of integrity with modern efficiency to make notarization secure, convenient, and accessible for everyone.
