Can Notaries Advertise Their Services On Facebook?

Can Notaries advertise their services on Facebook?

Yes, provided that they follow any laws or regulations that apply to advertising their services on any other advertising medium, including print and broadcast.

For example, when advertising on the Internet, Notaries in Iowa, North Dakota, Oregon and West Virginia must include the following statement in each language used: “I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this state. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.” Oregon Notaries must also include the fees they charge in the advertisement.

Notaries in several additional states must post a similarly-worded notice if they advertise services in a foreign language and must refrain from using the Spanish language title “Notario” or “Notario Publico” or translating the term “Notary Public” into other languages.

Among the states that have enacted foreign-language advertising restrictions for Notaries in 2014 are Nebraska, Nevada, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. New Jersey and New York also enacted laws restricting Notaries from advertising that falsely implies the Notary is qualified to provide legal or immigration services.

Some states, such as California, also impose additional restrictions on non-attorney Notaries who wish to work as immigration consultants, such as requiring registering with the state and posting a bond. Always follow your state’s laws regarding advertising and regulation of persons offering immigration assistance services.

The NNA publishes a complimentary ‘What Is A Notary Public?’ brochure which Notaries may download, print and share with signers to help answer questions about the differences between U.S. Notaries and the ‘Notarios’ of other countries.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

David Thun is an Associate Editor at the National Notary Association.

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call (888) 876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

33 Comments

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katrinka Washington

02 Dec 2014

I would like to know the law for Florida when it comes to advertising on facebook.

National Notary Association

Hi Katrinka, Florida Notaries who are not attorneys may not advertise notarial services in a language other than English without conspicuously posting or stating the following notice in both languages: "I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL SERVICES." Florida Notaries also may not literally translate the title "Notary Public" into a language other than English. (FS 117.05[10]-[11])

Susan Vonier

03 Dec 2014

What is the law for Tennessee regarding advertising?

Hello Susan, A Notary who is not an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee who advertises his or her services as a Notary Public is required by law to include the following notice in the advertisement: “‘I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.’ The foregoing disclaimer must be included in any advertisement, whether by radio, television, signs, pamphlets, newspapers, telephone directory, or other written or oral communication, or in any other matter. It must be in English and in the language used in the advertisement, if different. In a written advertisement the statement must be of conspicuous size. An advertisement on radio or television must include substantially the same message. TCA § 8-16-401(a). In addition, a nonattorney Notary is prohibited from advising or assisting in selecting or completing forms affecting or related to a person’s immigration status (TCA 8-16-401[b]); or representing or advertising that the notary public is an immigration consultant, immigration paralegal or expert on immigration matters unless the Notary is an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals under Title 8, Part 292, Section 2(a-3) of the Code of Federal Regulations (TCA 8-16-402). Violations of the above constitute “unfair” or “deceptive” acts under TCA 47-18-104, but the above restrictions do not apply to Notaries employed by banks, trust companies and savings and loan associations, nor to Notaries engaged in the closing of loans, the extension of credit or the transfer of title or security instruments (TCA 8-16-403 and 8-16-404).

Shirley Benedict

08 Dec 2014

Can you say donations accepted?

Hi Shirley. In order to better answer your question can you please let us know what state you are commissioned in? Thanks.

Davina Ismail

30 Dec 2014

What about in Connecticut? And where do I find this information? Thanks,

05 Jan 2015

Hello Davina, The Connecticut Secretary of State's Notary Public Manual states in Section 5.1, page 17, the following: "Effective October 1, 2013, notaries public appointed by the State of Connecticut must never use a foreign language term to describe their office. For example, a notary shall not assume, use, or advertise the title of “notario” or “notario publico” unless (1) s/he is a licensed attorney or (2) s/he indicates in an advertisement or otherwise provides written notice that s/he is not licensed as an attorney in the State of Connecticut (See Public Act 13-127 in Appendix E). Any use of such a term could mislead a person seeking notarial services into believing that the notary had the authority to provide services which are not permitted under Connecticut's notary law." You can read and download the Notary Public Manual online at http://www.sots.ct.gov/sots/LIB/sots/LegislativeServices/forms/NotaryManual.pdf.

Lorena Bernal

06 Oct 2017

What about in California? My daughter is soliciting ads for their school newspaper and I want to help her by advertising my Notary Public job. Can you possibly give me a sample of an actual ad of a Notary Public, I just do not want to violate any laws and it will probably just a business card size. Thanks for any input you might have.

Hello. CA state law has specific rules if a Notary advertises in a language other than English. California requires Notaries who advertise in languages other than English to post a notice both in English and the other language that the Notary is not an attorney and may not offer legal or immgration law advice to customers. Please see pages 16 and 17 of the 2017 state Notary Public Handbook for full information: http://notary.cdn.sos.ca.gov/forms/notary-handbook-2017.pdf

Esther Mckenzie

06 Apr 2018

What are the restrictions on advertising on Facebook for the Virgin Islands?

Hello. We are not aware of any restrictions regarding Facebook advertising for Notaries under Virgin Islands law at this time.

Shannon

24 Sep 2018

Can I get a sign made for my car to say I am a notary and singing agent in florida? Am I allow to get a business license that says for example, Shannons mobile notary and signing agent? I am in FLORIDA

25 Sep 2018

Hello Shannon. You would have to contact the agency that issues business licenses in your area to ask if they have any special restrictions regarding the name of your business.

Jennifer Jimenez

08 Nov 2018

I would like to know the law for Washington when it comes to advertising.

Hello. A Notary Public, other than an attorney licensed to practice law in Washington, or a Washington-licensed limited license legal technician acting within the scope of his or her license, may not use the term ‘notario’ or ‘notario publico in advertising (RCW 42.45.230[3]).

Ana Lopez

14 Nov 2018

Can a notary make business cards as a notary public while using business name and P.O Box address in the state of California if commnission number is printed on business card?

Taylor McConnell

10 Jan 2019

Are there restrictions for Mississippi in creating a facebook page.

11 Jan 2019

A notary public who is not an attorney licensed to practice law in Mississippi and who advertises in any language the person’s services as a notary public by radio, television, signs, pamphlets, newspapers, telephone directory or other written or oral communication, or in any other advertisement, shall include with such advertisement the notice set forth in this section in English and/or in any other languages used in the advertisement. The notice shall be of conspicuous size and shall state: ‘I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.’ (MCA 25-33- 25; see also MCA 25-33-27) A Mississippi Notary may not use the term ‘notario publico’ or any equivalent non-English term in any business card, advertisement, notice, or sign” (1 MAC Pt. 5, R. 050.5.9[E][3]).

Shonshon.lr@gmail.com

18 Jun 2019

Are there laws or regulations for creating a page in Texas.

19 Jun 2019

Hello. A nonattorney Texas Notary may not advertise notarial services in a foreign language without, in that language and in English, also stating the statutory fees allowed for notarial acts and the following statement in a conspicuous size: “I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN TEXAS AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE” (GC 406.017[a][5] and [b]).

ameenahbilal@gmail.com

14 Jun 2021

Can I advertise a notary public sign outside my home (commissioned in NJ)?

02 Jul 2021

There is not notarial law regarding signage outside of a home, but you should check local ordinances regarding such signage. Additionally, New Jersey state law indicates the following “a notary public who advertises his services in the English language or any other language is required to provide with such advertisement a notice which contains the following statement: ‘I am not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matter or accept fees for legal advice.’”

Amber

19 Sep 2021

What about AZ?

29 Sep 2021

There are no restrictions against an Arizona Notary that advertises online.

John Ruark

15 May 2022

Is it ok to display your stamp commission number on social media?

18 May 2022

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Lisa Speights

02 Apr 2023

Hello, I have been searching the law for Georgia to advertising my notary service on my car. I am not able to find a definitive answer. Can you please help. Thank you is advance

14 Apr 2023

Hello. Georgia rules regarding Notary advertising are as follows: “A notary who is not an attorney licensed to practice law in this state who advertises the person’s services as a notary public in English or any other language, by radio, television, signs, pamphlets, newspapers, other written communication, or in any other manner, shall post or otherwise include with the advertisement the notice set forth in this subsection in English and in every other language used for the advertisement. The notice shall be of a conspicuous size, if in writing, and shall state: ‘I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA, AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.’ If the advertisement is made by radio or television, the statement may be modified but must include substantially the same message” (OCGA 45-17-8.2[b]). “A notary required to comply with the provisions of subsection (b) [above] of this Code section shall prominently post at the notary public’s place of business a schedule of fees established by law which a notary may charge. The fee schedule shall be written in English and in any non-English language in which the notary services were solicited and shall contain the notice required in subsection (b) of this Code section, unless the notice is otherwise prominently posted at the notary public’s place of business” (OCGA 45-17-8.2[e]).

Cedric Johnson

27 Apr 2023

What are the restrictions on advertising on Facebook for California?

28 Apr 2023

Hello. When advertising, CA Notaries must follow certain restrictions, especially if advertising in a language other than English: “The Secretary of State may refuse to appoint any person as notary public or may revoke or suspend the commission of any notary public upon any of the following grounds: … (f) The use of false or misleading advertising wherein the notary public has represented that the notary public has duties, rights, or privileges that he or she does not possess by law” (GC 8214.1[f]). “(a) Every notary public who is not an attorney who advertises the services of a notary public in a language other than English by signs or other means of written communication, with the exception of a single desk plaque, shall post with that advertisement a notice in English and in the other language which sets forth the following: “(1) This statement: I am not an attorney and, therefore, cannot give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matters. “(2) The fees set by statute which a notary public may charge. “(b) The notice required by subdivision (a) shall be printed and posted as prescribed by the Secretary of State. “(c) Literal translation of the phrase ‘notary public’ into Spanish, hereby defined as ‘notario publico’ or ‘notario,’ is prohibited. For purposes of this subdivision, ‘literal translation’ of a word or phrase from one language to another means the translation of a word or phrase without regard to the true meaning of the word or phrase in the language which is being translated” (GC 8219.5[a]-[[c]). “A notary public who holds himself or herself out as being an immigration specialist, immigration consultant or any other title or description reflecting an expertise in immigration matters shall not advertise in any manner whatsoever that he or she is a notary public” (GC 8223[a]).

Renee A

21 Jul 2023

Michigan resident - Can I add - * Michigan Notary* In my “bio” on Facebook,LinkedIn and Instagram. I’m also a licensed realtor which has its own set of advertising rules. Thanks!

24 Jul 2023

Hello. Michigan has the following rules regarding advertising Notary services: “A notary public shall not claim to have powers, qualifications, rights, or privileges that the office of notary does not provide, including the power to counsel on immigration matters” (MCL 55.291[3]). “A notary public shall not, in any document, advertisement, stationery, letterhead, business card, or other comparable written material describing the role of the notary public, literally translate from English into another language terms or titles including, but not limited to, notary public, notary, licensed, attorney, lawyer, or any other term that implies the person is an attorney” (MCL 55.291[4]). “A notary public may not use the term ‘notario publico’ or any equivalent non-English term in any business card, advertisement, notice, or sign” (MCL 55.291[6]). “A notary public who is not a licensed attorney and who advertises notarial services in a language other than English shall include in the document, advertisement, stationery, letterhead, business card, or other comparable written material the following, prominently displayed in the same language: “(a) The statement: ‘I am not an attorney and have no authority to give advice on immigration or other legal matters’. “(b) The fees for notarial acts as specified by statute” (MCL 55.291[5]).

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