Notary Bulletin

Hotline Tip: How Do I Report An Improper Notarization?

If I see someone notarizing documents without the signer present, what should I do? C.M., Miami, Florida

To perform a notarization, the very first thing that must happen is the principal signer must personally appear before the Notary. If you know of someone who is notarizing documents without the principal signer appearing before the Notary, they should be reported to your state’s Notary-regulating agency. In Florida, this would be the Department of State, Division of Corporations, Notary Commissions and Certifications Section. Their phone number is 1-850-245-6975, and their mailing address is: P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314.

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained Notary Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call (888) 876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST and Saturdays: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST

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Quiz: Identification Best Practices

Identifying signers is an essential part of a Notary’s role. Without positive identification, there’s no assurance signers are who they claim to be. Test your knowledge of proper identification practices in this month’s quiz.

(A link to the correct answers is provided at the end of the quiz.)

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions.

(888) 876-0827

Monday through Friday:
5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST

Saturdays: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST

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