Notary Law Updates
Minnesota Updates Notary Laws Regarding Remote Online Notarization Registration, Electronic Notarial Acts, and Use of Official Notarial Stamp
On May 17, 2024, the Minnesota Governor signed House File 4772 into law, making significant updates to the state’s notary laws. These changes, which took effect on August 1, 2024, primarily focus on remote online notarization, electronic notarizations, and official notarial stamps.
... Continue ReadingNorth Carolina Delays Remote Electronic Notarization
The implementation of remote electronic notarization in North Carolina, initially set to take effect on July 1, 2024, has been delayed. The North Carolina Secretary of State has announced a new effective date of March 1, 2025.
... Continue ReadingVermont Extends and Updates Emergency Rules for Remote and Electronic Notarial Acts
The Vermont Secretary of State has extended the emergency rules that allows notaries to perform remote and electronic notarial acts. The extended emergency rules require notaries to obtain an electronic notary special endorsement from the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
... Continue ReadingOnline Notarization In California Could Happen Before January 1, 2030
Effective January 1, 2024, California Senate Bill 696 brings major changes to notary practices, allowing for online notarization.
... Continue ReadingGeorgia Legislature Takes Steps to Reduce Property Fraud
The Georgia legislature recently took a big step forward to reduce property fraud. On May 2, 2024, it passed House Bill 1292, which contains several provisions aimed at achieving this goal.
... Continue ReadingMaryland Notaries Get a Raise
Maryland notaries are now allowed to charge more for notarial and remote notarial acts.
... Continue ReadingOregon Requires Renewing Notaries to Complete a Course of Study
Beginning January 1, 2025, Oregon notaries who are renewing their notary commissions will be required to complete a course of study.
... Continue ReadingNotaries Renewing Their Notary Commissions in Virginia Are Exempt from Taking the Oath of the Applicant
The requirement that notaries in Virginia seeking to renew their commissions must include an oath of the applicant with their notary applications is now repealed.
... Continue ReadingVirginia Increases the Fees Notaries Can Charge
Starting on July 1, 2024, Virginia notaries will be able to charge a maximum of $10 for notarial acts,
... Continue ReadingWashington Drops US Citizenship and Permanent Residency Requirement to Apply for a Notary Commission
Starting on July 1, 2024, individuals applying to become notaries or renew their notary commissions in Washington are no longer
... Continue ReadingWest Virginia Notary Applicants Are Now Required to Have a High School Diploma or Its Equivalent
Notaries in West Virginia must have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to receive a notary commission.
... Continue ReadingTexas Governor Abbott Temporarily Allows For Appearance Before Notary Public Via Videoconference For Real-Estate Instruments
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has suspended a statute concerning appearance before a notary public to acknowledge real-estate instruments such as mortgages.
... Continue ReadingTexas Governor Abbott Temporarily Suspends Certain Statutes to Allow For Appearance Before Notary Public Via Videoconference
Texas Governor Greg Abbott today suspended certain statutes concerning appearance before a notary public to execute a self-proved will, a durable power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, a directive to physician, or an oath of an executor, administrator, or guardian.
... Continue ReadingLegal by Notarization
I honestly cannot count the number of times I've been asked the question, Once you notarize my document, will it be legal? If I were to guess, I'd say I'm asked at least once a week (during a slow week). It seems people feel that a notary public can do the same thing an attorney does, but at a cheaper price.
... Continue ReadingFlorida Bills Close in on Notary Journal Requirement
If passed, either of two bills that were filed with Florida legislative bodies at the end of 2013 will significantly update Florida notary laws to include the requirement of keeping a journal of notary acts. The new law would go into effect on July 1, 2014.
... Continue ReadingHow to Handle Lost or Stolen Notary Supplies
Notaries are responsible for safeguarding their notary supplies and protecting them from fraudulent use.
... Continue ReadingUnderstanding the Importance of Your Notary Commission Name
Once you have received your notary commission from the state, you are ready to embark on your new career as a notary public.
... Continue ReadingPracticing Law without a License / Unlawful Advertising
The following are issues that are addressed by law in many states and may carry severe penalties. Notaries in those states that do not address these issues should heed the following:
... Continue ReadingSteps to a Proper Notarization
Notaries should follow proper procedures to minimize any risk of liability for an improper notarial act and reduce opportunities for fraud. With every notarization, the notary should use precise measures to:
... Continue ReadingNotary Fees - How much to Charge
Notaries must know their state notary laws regarding all aspects of their notary commission, and this includes fees. You must NOT charge more than the law allows for any notarization. This can result in severe penalties against the notary. You may of course offer your services at no charge. Discuss fees and how you will handle them with your employer to avoid any misunderstandings.
... Continue ReadingNotaries: Maintain a Notary Journal!
The notary's best defense is the notary record book, or notary journal. Some states require notaries to keep a notary record book and some states do not; however, all notaries are encouraged to keep a journal of every notarial act.
... Continue ReadingTexas Notaries Are Forbidden From Recording ID Card Numbers
As of April 22, 2007 Texas notaries public are forbidden from recording identification card numbers in their notary record books.
... Continue ReadingLegal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information. However, it is important to note that the information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions.
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Copy Certification [4]
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Duties of a Notary [12]
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Find a Notary - Notary Locator [1]
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Foreign Language Documents [4]
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Handling Difficult Notarization [10]
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How to Become a Notary [19]
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I-9 Forms [2]
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Identifications [4]
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Loan Signing Agent [5]
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Maintaining Your Notary Commission [11]
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Marketing [17]
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Notarial Certificates [11]
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Notary & Employer [6]
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Notary Best Practices [77]
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Notary Bonds [3]
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Notary Commission [4]
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Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance [2]
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Notary Fees [5]
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Notary Fraud & Malpractice [3]
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Notary Journals [13]
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Notary Law Updates [22]
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Notary News [3]
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Notary Stamp and Supplies [39]
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Practicing Law Without a License [14]
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Privacy & Security [7]
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Remote Online Notarization - (RONS) [4]
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Steps to a Proper Notarization [80]
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Taxes [4]
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Website [2]
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What Does a Notary Do? [21]
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Wills [2]
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Notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company, Universal Surety of America, or Surety Bonding Company of America, which are subsidiaries of CNA Surety.