Many states are now allowing Notaries to apply for commissions online in order to save time and money on processing. In Pennsylvania the state’s top Notary official said that online commissioning services have been key to ensuring enough Notaries are available to protect businesses from identity theft and other document-related crimes.
60 percent of all Notaries applying last month used the online system, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State, which reports it processes an average of 23,000 applications each year.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele estimated the online process saves taxpayers up to $80,000 per year and has reduced processing time from four weeks to as little as two days, adding that it is important to process commissions quickly and efficiently to help businesses and commerce. “Given today’s increased threat of identity theft and other security concerns, Notaries Public are playing a key role in deterring document fraud, and helping business and legal transactions flow smoothly,” she said.
The Pennsylvania system not only allows applicants to complete and submit the forms to become a Notary online, but also allows all 50 state senators to provide the required character endorsements for applicants electronically also.
David Thun is an Associate Editor at the National Notary Association.