Notary Bulletin >
The National Notary Magazine
Features
July 7, 2010
Every day across America, countless Notaries are backed into a corner. Bosses, friends, relatives and others pressure them to bend, break or ignore the rules of notarization to make life easier. ..
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July 7, 2010
Becoming a Notary involves following a fairly common set of steps: Study the state handbook, pass an exam, file the necessary paperwork, and wait. Then one day, the commission arrives in the mail, you order your supplies and begin notarizing documents according to your supervisor’s instructions...
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July 7, 2010
When she read the news reports about a convicted murderer who was allowed to become a Notary, Michaela Bennett quickly became an advocate for stronger background checks...
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July 7, 2010
Notaries and Hollywood have had a long, but not always cozy relationship. Over the years Notaries have played minor roles in countless productions, usually when the signing of a will, a contract or a power of attorney is necessary to move the storyline in a new direction. In many cases, their portrayals are less than flattering, whether to amuse the audience or to create conflict, drama and action...
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July 7, 2010
The sticking point that results in a rejected document or a lawsuit is often nothing more than a small detail, so paying attention to the minutiae of your transaction can save you from trouble down the road...
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Trends & Opportunities
July 7, 2010
Notaries and government officials across the nation are reporting a sharp increase in the number of requests for protests and other uncommon and unauthorized acts. The increase is due to efforts on the part of certain people to get out of paying taxes, mortgages and other debts and to assert immunity from government authority...
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July 7, 2010
As public servants, many Notaries are eager to volunteer their time to help the needy or contribute to their community. Many people need a Notary, and sometimes they can’t afford it, so being available to help can really be a benefit to your local citizens...
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July 7, 2010
A growing number of states have enacted strict data protection laws applying to Notaries and anyone else who handles clients’ sensitive personal information...
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July 7, 2010
The housing sector is showing signs of awakening, marking an increase in opportunities for Notaries and Notary Signing Agents in the real estate sector...
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July 7, 2010
Effective July 1, all Puerto Rican birth certificates will be invalidated as part of a sweeping move by the U.S. commonwealth to combat fraud. That means the 4.1 million people of Puerto Rican descent in the U.S. will need new proofs of birth and may approach Notaries to assist them in obtaining such documentation. Federal and Puerto Rican officials warn there will be a wave of attempts to commit fraud amid the confusion, as Puerto Rican birth certificates are in high demand on the black market for those seeking to obtain unlawful passports, driver’s licenses and other government benefits. People born in Puerto Rico are natural born citizens of the United States. ..
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July 7, 2010
While Notaries cannot prevent many fraudulent activities, criminals often try to hide their culpability with some type of identity fraud. By applying the highest standards of care when notarizing loan documents — properly identifying every signer every time — Notaries will be able to prevent many fraudulent transactions...
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July 7, 2010
Early technology adopters are now taking a hard look at tablet computing devices, which have been deemed revolutionary for watching movies, reading books and viewing Web sites. But the jury is still out on how valuable they are for mobile Notaries and other professionals on the go, who today rely upon laptops and smart phones. ..
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July 7, 2010
Some careless Notaries dismiss ethics and best practices as a shortcut or because they are pressured to do so. This may seem harmless at the time of notarization, but it can cost a Notary their commission — and potentially much more...
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July 7, 2010
Departments
From The Senior Managing Editor
July 7, 2010
Several years ago a friend of mine decided he wanted to be a law enforcement officer. Being the type who walked down many of life’s paths without ever reaching his destination, I gave him a pat on the back and wished him the best. I didn’t expect much...
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From Deborah M. Thaw
July 7, 2010
As summer approaches, who doesn’t start thinking expectantly about the cornerstone of summer: the Fourth of July, parades, the American flag, fresh corn on the cob, stories and images of our founding fathers and Notaries. Notaries? ..
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Nuts And Bolts
July 7, 2010
Handling foreign documents can be a challenge due to differing laws, languages, standards and procedures, but don’t dismiss them, just follow these simple guidelines:..
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Hotline
July 7, 2010
A well-kept record book is an essential tool that not only protects you from liability, but also guards the public from fraud and preserves valuable evidence for authorities investigating fraud. ..
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Beyond The Basics
July 7, 2010
Personal appearance is at the heart of the notarial act. Without it, notarizations wouldn’t be trustworthy in protecting the public from fraud. In the case of personal appearance, most state laws provide two very narrow and strictly controlled exceptions to this sacred pillar of the Notary Public office. These exceptions are notarization through an attorney in fact and notarization through a subscribing witness...
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- Florida: Notary Law Update - Electronic Notarization Administrative Rules Wednesday, April 28, 2010
- Colorado: Notary Law Update - Administrative Rule Tuesday, April 13, 2010
- Oregon: Notary Law Update - Revised Administrative Rules Tuesday, March 9, 2010
- Oregon: Notary Law Update - House Bill 2085 Thursday, January 7, 2010
