Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility About Notaries Why Become a Notary? How to Become a Notary How to Renew Your Notary Commission How to Become a Signing Agent What is Notarization Being a Public Official Stamp/Seal Information Notary Forms Notary History Notaries and Notarios Glossary of Terms Notary Links News & Information Notary Bulletin The National Notary Magazine Webinars Commonly Asked Questions How to Administer Oaths and Affirmations Strange, Unusual and Bizarre Requests ID Fraud — A Notary Trap The Names in The Document and Identification Don't Match The Importance of Personal Appearance Understanding Notary Certificates and Seals: Vital Notary Know-How Signature by Mark Sorry Boss... No Can Do! How to Complete a Journal Entry How to Use Credible Witnesses Acknowledgments and Jurats - What's the Difference? How to ID in a Multi-Cultural World Signing Agent Branding Your Signing Agent Business 10 Steps to a Flawless Loan Signing Answers to Questions Notary Signing Agents are Asking Today Being a Team Player in the Loan Closing Process New Law Update California New-Law Update Oregon New-Law Update Arkansas New-Law Update Notary Laws Policy Tracking Special Reports Law Review Articles NNA Annual Conference Social Media Press Center Tips and Tutorials Administer an Oath Correct a Certificate Determine if ID is Acceptable Determine if Blank Spaces Acceptable Fix Bad Seal Impressions Avoid Unauthorized Practice of Law Handle Name Discrepancies Notarize Foreign Language Documents Notarize Wills How to Use Your Notary Seal Stamp Signing Agent Resources Non-Payment Issues Common Collection Terms Managing Your Collection Efforts Sample Collection Letters Signing Agent Tools Rescission Calendar Closing Disclosure ZipCode Locator / Driving Directions Signing Agent Pledge Card Privacy Tips Privacy/Security Self-Assessment Reference Library Model Notary Act Model Electronic Notarization Act Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility US Notary Reference Manual (members only) Certificate Forms (members only) State Law Summaries View or download The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility [PDF] In 1998, the National Notary Association introduced the first-ever comprehensive and detailed code of ethical and professional conduct for America’s Notaries: The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility. The Code addresses common problems, issues and questions encountered by today’s Notaries by prescribing principles, standards and rules and applying them in helpful specific examples. The Code is designed to guide Notaries Public when state statutes, regulations and official directives fall short in guiding notaries to perform their official duties. It also serves these functions: Educates Non-Notaries – The Code may be handed to an employer, a coworker, a customer or any other user of notarial services to explain the Notary’s proper role. Catalyst for Change – For lawmaker and administrators, the Code is a moral imperative for progressive change and a catalyst for improving notarial statutes and conventions. Reduces Fraud, Litigation – Widespread implementation of the Code will reduce fraud and the volume of civil and criminal lawsuits. Fosters Confidence – Any Notary’s adherence to the standards of the Code brings confidence that he or she is acting in accordance with the highest professional and ethical traditions of the Notary office. Engenders Respect – Widespread adherence to the standards of the Code will heighten professionalism and engender respect and recognition for the Notary office in this nation and abroad.