Recommended Notary Practices From
The National Notary Association | | As a Notary Public, you are a Public Official bound by the laws of your State – and not by anyone else, including an employer, friend, associate or family member. | - Always follow state law that requires the signer to be in your physical presenceevery time you notarize — without exception.
- Always have the signature on the document affixed or acknowledged in your presence.
- Always obtain identification that contains a photograph, physical description and signature.
- Always keep a chronological record of the notarial act, including the signature of the signer in your journal, which must be kept in your custody and control at all times.
- Always ask for a thumbprint of the signer in your journal to help protect against imposture.
- Always confirm that the signer is not being coerced and is willingly signing the documents you notarize.
- Always attach a Notary certificate if wording is not already printed on the document.
- Always notarize only documents that are complete and without blank spaces.
- Always use a seal when you notarize, and be sure to keep it in your custody and control at all times.
- Always refrain from giving advice to signers unless you have the professional training and credentials to do so.
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