From Ancient Trust to Modern Legal Assurance
The role of the notary public is one of the oldest continuing professions in the world. Long before modern governments and law offices existed, societies needed trustworthy witnesses—people of integrity who could verify the authenticity of signatures, transactions, and oaths. The history of notarization is the story of how that responsibility evolved from ancient scribes to today’s licensed notaries who protect the public from fraud.
Origins in Ancient Rome
The word notary comes from the Latin notarius, meaning “scribe” or “clerk.” In ancient Rome, notarii and tabelliones were trained writers who prepared contracts, wills, and other legal documents for citizens and merchants. Because written records were rare and highly valuable, these early notaries were trusted members of society—often appointed by the Roman Empire itself.
Their duty was to ensure that agreements were fair, voluntary, and legally binding. They recorded proceedings, drafted official statements, and applied seals that authenticated the documents for courts or trade officials. The notary’s signature—often carved into wax or pressed into clay—became a symbol of honesty and authority.
Medieval Europe: Guardians of Commerce and Law
As the Roman Empire faded, the notarial tradition survived within the Catholic Church and early European kingdoms. By the Middle Ages, notaries were officially appointed by the Pope or monarchs to authenticate legal documents and trade agreements across borders.
This was especially important during a time when literacy was limited and international trade was expanding. Merchants and governments relied on notarized documents to verify treaties, ship manifests, property sales, and even marriage contracts. The notary’s seal served as a universal guarantee of authenticity—a necessity for commerce between nations that spoke different languages and followed different laws.
In Italy, the role became a respected profession governed by the Statutes of Bologna (1288), one of the first formal codes regulating notaries. These standards inspired similar systems throughout France, Spain, and England, setting the foundation for modern notarial law.
The Rise of the Notary in the New World
When European settlers came to America, they brought their legal traditions with them. Colonial notaries were appointed by governors to certify property transfers, wills, and business agreements in the New World.
As the United States grew, each state developed its own system for commissioning notaries. Despite regional differences, the core mission remained unchanged: to serve as an impartial witness who protects the public from fraud.
In Texas, notaries became vital to frontier commerce and local governance. They authenticated deeds for landowners, verified cattle sale agreements, and oversaw the signing of contracts in remote settlements where formal courts were scarce. This spirit of independence and integrity still defines the profession today.
The Modern Notary: Protecting Integrity in a Digital Age
Today, notarization continues to evolve with technology. Modern notaries use electronic seals, encrypted signatures, and digital journals to secure documents in a paperless world. Despite these advancements, the essence of the notary’s duty remains timeless: to verify identity, confirm understanding, and witness consent.
Mobile and remote online notarization (RON) now allow notaries to serve clients wherever they are—at home, in hospitals, or across state lines through secure video platforms. These innovations make notarization faster and more accessible, while preserving the centuries-old commitment to honesty, accuracy, and trust.
The Enduring Value of the Notary Public
From the Roman Empire to modern Texas, notaries have upheld a simple but powerful principle: a trustworthy signature is the foundation of every legal system. They provide peace of mind that a document is genuine, that a signer’s identity is verified, and that every party acts willingly and with full understanding.
At San Angelo Mobile Notary Service, Stephen Hammer carries on that tradition—serving the people of San Angelo and the Concho Valley with the same reliability and integrity that notaries have represented for nearly two thousand years.