Certified Copy
20Feb-19

How to “Notarize” Copies – The Certified Copy Dilemma

Many new notaries have contacted me over the years to ask how to produce correctly "notarized copies" of important identification documents such as driver licenses, government-issued identification cards, foreign or U.S. passports.  Let's first discuss what the term "notarized copy” actually means.  The citizen is referring to the act of certifying a copy of an original document as being an exact copy of the original. Suppose a fictional notary named Tom Teller has been approached by a citizen requesting a notarized copy of a U.S. Passport.  The citizen, another fictional character named Mrs. Lola Longmire, knows what she wants and she intends to have it her way:  Lola Longmire expects Tom to make a copy of her ID and stamp the copy...

Notary Records Journal
8Oct-18

Improved Notary Records Journal

We have upgraded our popular Notary Records Journal to be even better.  In addition to the new cover image this thoughtfully-designed journal has an additional 96 entries and thicker paper.  We have also brought back the soft cover version, making this journal fully Hawaii compliant!  Check out all the features of this journal: Durable binding (pages will not fall out) 496 individually numbered entries 128 individually numbered pages 4 entries per page (no spanning across two pages) Check boxes for common notarizations Easy logging of complicated entries (such as credible witness) Soft cover version is good for all states and territories (Hawaii-compliant) Hard cover version is good for all states and territories (except Hawaii) Order Now   We now have two additional journal options While we love the Notary Records Journal,...

2018-ID-NOTARY-STAMP-ROUND
6Aug-18

2018 New Idaho Notary Stamp Requirements

Every current Idaho Notary Public must use the new stamp format starting October 1, 2018.  All existing stamps must be destroyed or disabled after September 30, 2018.   NOTARY STAMP PURCHASING INFORMATION   Your notary certificate, as provided by the Idaho Secretary of State, grants you the authority to purchase a notary stamp. All notary stamps USED on or after October 1, 2018, must conform to the following standard (as per I.C. 51-117, 118): The stamp must be an inked stamp. The stamp must have a serrated or milled-edge border. The stamp must be in a rectangular or circular form. The stamp shall not exceed two and one-fourth (2.25) inches by one (1) inch if rectangular, or one and three-fourths (1.75) inches in diameter if circular. The stamp...

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Notary Records Journal
3Jun-18

New Colorado Notary Journal Requirements

With the passage of the 2018 Colorado RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts), there were slight changes to the standards of care for the Colorado Notary Records Journal.  You can read the actual Colorado Revised Statute below this article. All RULONA updates will be reflected in our updated Colorado Notary State-Approved Online Course on or before July 1, 2018. You can also order your Colorado RULONA compliant notary journal here: Notary Journal C.R.S. 24-21-519. Journal (1) A notary public shall maintain a journal in which the notary public chronicles all notarial acts that the notary public performs. The notary public shall retain the journal for ten years after the performance of the last notarial act chronicled in the journal. (2) A journal may...

Notary Bond
20Mar-18

What Is a Notary Bond and Why is it Important

As you know, a notary, also known as a notary public, is a government-licensed professional who takes witness to an assortment of legal affairs and signing of documents. The National Notary Association defines a notary as a government-appointed official to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts--notarizations, notarial acts--that are related to the signing of highly important documents. Since a notary’s job requires them to work closely with legal documents day in and day out, oftentimes, they are required to get a notary bond, also referred to as a surety bond. In most cases, it’s necessary for a notary to obtain a surety bond before they are allowed to start notarizing...

Notary Seal
5Jul-17

How to Become a Notary

How to Become a Notary Public Becoming a notary public is a relatively simple process, depending on which state you live in. Notary training is only required in a handful of states such as California, Colorado and Pennsylvania. A few additional states require notary exams, like Connecticut and New York.   Step 1: Notary Education While not required in most states to become a notary, we recommend notary education for all notaries public, especially new notaries.  Many states publish notary laws or a simplified notary handbook.  While helpful, many times this basic guide falls short of the many difficult situations a notary may encounter each day.  Our state-specific online notary training courses cover these important topics and more:   How much can I charge? How much...

5Jun-17

What does it mean to be a Notary?

A Notary Public is an important public official who helps with the authentication of documents. It’s likely you’ve had an opportunity or situation that requires the services of a Notary Public. But, what if you want to become a Notary yourself? Here are a few advantages to becoming a Notary Public. If you would like more information on becoming a notary, please find your state here.  We currently offer state-specific online notary training throughout most of the country. We have notary training available in 46 states and Washington D.C., including mandatory education states of California, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Colorado.   A Source of Income While Notaries are appointed by their states and serve as public officials, they charge their clients directly and the revenue is...

3May-17

Factors impacting foreign language notarization

Can a Notary Public help me if we don’t speak the same language? Are their rules governing the communication I have with my Notary? I’m a Notary and have a potential client and I don’t speak their language – what can I do? These questions may come up as you seek to have a document notarized or if you’re a practicing Notary and are reaching out to advertise your services. Here are a few answers to help guide you in this process:   Can foreign language documents be notarized? Short answer? This varies.  The first and most important thing is to check if your state statutes or Notary-regulating agency has provided guidelines on its website or in its Notary handbook that address the issue...

3Apr-17

What is a Notary and What do Notaries Do?

Do you need a notary? What can a notary do for you? If you’re looking for an official witness for a variety of documents that require such a service, you may need a notary. Here’s more about what a notary is and what a notary does. The National Notary Association notes:  A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government —typically by the secretary of state — to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. These official acts are called notarizations, or notarial acts. Notaries are publicly commissioned as “ministerial” officials, meaning that they are expected to follow written rules without the exercise of significant...

loan signing agent
2Mar-17

How To Become A Loan Signing Agent

How To Become A Loan Signing Agent What is a Loan Signing Agent? Signing agents are notaries public, who usually have experience and/or training concerning the proper execution of loan documents and are hired as independent contractor by mortgage companies, escrow companies, title companies, and signing services to identify loan documents, obtain the necessary signatures, and in some cases deliver the documents to the borrower. What Kind of Training Does a Loan Signing Agent Require?   Loan Signing Agent course    What Are the Benefits of Becoming A Loan Signing Agent? Signing agents are notaries public, who usually have experience and/or training concerning the proper execution of loan documents and are hired by mortgage companies, escrow companies, title companies, and signing services to identify loan documents, obtain...

US Notary Bonds
15Feb-17

Notary Bond vs Notary E&O Insurance

Notary Bonds and Errors and Omissions Insurance What is the difference between a notary bond and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance? A notary bond is a financial security document underwritten by a surety licensed in the state that requires it. Translated, the bond is there to protect the public in the event of financial damages caused due to improper notarization. A notary bond is not insurance for the notary. If you are forced to pay damages due to a notarization that you performed, the bonding company will pay up to the bond value amount, but the next thing the bonding company will do is come after you for the money. They are very efficient at collecting, which is why the premium...

notary business
1Feb-17

How To Start A Notary Business

5 Easy Steps To Starting A Notary Business Are you ready to start earning real money as a notary? It is possible!  Many people have found freedom in being able to work for themselves as a mobile notary public.  There are certain steps you do need to take  so that you will have a successful notary business. 1. Become A Notary Each state has its own requirements to become a notary. You can select your state on this page to discover yours. However, there are several steps that remain universal: Receive proper training:  It is so very important to educate yourself on how to execute the role of notary public properly. Training will allow you to excel in your role and establish yourself as...