The Fascinating History of Notaries: From Ancient Egypt to the Digital Age

Lisa Homan
Mar 12
2 min read

Notarization is a process we often take for granted in modern life, yet its roots run deep—stretching back thousands of years. Whether signing a real estate deed, verifying a power of attorney, or finalizing a business contract, Notaries have long served as trusted guardians of authenticity and integrity.

But have you ever wondered where this practice began? Let’s take a journey through time to uncover the rich history of Notaries and how they evolved into the digital age.

Ancient Egypt (2750-2250 B.C.): The Birth of Record-Keeping

The earliest known Notaries were Egyptian scribes ("sesh"), who held an essential role in society. They recorded personal letters, tax records, and official proclamations—playing a key role in government administration.

Scribes were so valued that Pharaoh Tutankhamen was buried with writing tools for the afterlife, signifying the importance of documentation even beyond this world. These early record-keepers laid the foundation for notarization as a profession based on trust and precision.

The Roman Empire (535 A.D.): The First True Notaries

The modern concept of a Notary began to take shape in ancient Rome. A man named Tiro, a former slave of the famous orator Cicero, developed a shorthand system ("notae") to record speeches—leading to the emergence of Notarii and scribae, the first professional Notaries.

As literacy levels increased, so did the demand for Notaries. These officials were responsible for drafting contracts, wills, and other legal agreements, ensuring that documents were authentic and legally binding. The role of Notaries continued to grow, becoming an integral part of commerce, law, and governance.

The Middle Ages: Notaries Expand Across Europe

During the Middle Ages, the role of Notaries spread across Europe, particularly within the Catholic Church and royal courts. The Papal Notaries played a crucial role in recording official church documents, while royal Notaries assisted monarchs in legal affairs.

By the 12th century, Notaries were recognized as essential legal professionals, establishing the foundation for the Notary Public system we know today.

The 21st Century: Notaries in the Digital Age

Fast forward to today, and Notaries are more important than ever. While the principles of authenticity, impartiality, and trust remain unchanged, the notarization process has evolved to meet modern needs.

With the rise of Remote Online Notarization (RON), documents can now be signed and notarized anytime, anywhere through secure digital platforms. This advancement not only enhances convenience but also ensures a faster, more efficient notarization process.

At Verified Signature Solutions, we honor the centuries-old tradition of notarization while embracing modern technology to make the process easy, secure, and accessible for everyone.