Press Release: Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court Implements New Notary Public Application Requirement

Cherokee County, GA – August 1, 2025 – The Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court, Patty Baker, announces a new requirement for all new notary public applicants. Effective September 1, 2025, a criminal background check will be mandatory for all individuals applying for a notary public commission in Cherokee County, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 45-17-2.3.

This new policy ensures that the Clerk’s Office maintains the highest standards of integrity and public trust in the notary application process. Under O.C.G.A. § 45-17-2.3, the Clerk of Superior Court is authorized to review an applicant’s criminal history as part of the decision-making process for granting notary commissions.

Criminal Background Check Details:

• Effective Date: September 1, 2025

• Forms: Available on the Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court’s website

• Processing Location: Public Safety Building (Sheriff’s Office), Central Records

• Cost: $20 (cash only, no change provided)

• Processing Time: Approximately 10 minutes

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Clerk’s website to download the necessary forms and prepare for the background check process. The Sheriff’s Office Central Records division will handle the processing of these checks at the Public Safety Building.

“We are committed to upholding the integrity of the notary public commission process,” said Clerk of Superior Court Patty Baker. “This new requirement aligns with our responsibility to ensure that all notaries meet the standards set forth by Georgia law.”

For more information or to access the required forms, please visit the Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court’s website or contact the Clerk’s Office directly.

Media Contact: Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court Phone: 678-493-6523 Email: rnmanley@cherokeecountyga.gov Website: https://www.cherokeecourtclerk.com/notary-public

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