Carmen tells me regularly how Notaries get information from random sources on the internet or from other Notaries who don’t know what they are doing. This is dangerous. You are legally responsible for the notary work you do. If you do your work wrong, you can get in trouble with your notary division or in trouble with the law. Therefore, it makes sense that you get your information from reliable sources.
NNA and 123notary publish a lot of notary information online. We are generally well informed and well intentioned. But, there are instances when our information is out of date, unclear, misinterpreted, or just plain wrong.
Getting information from Facebook groups, or other Notaries is a horrible idea because I test Notaries, and most of them score about 30% on Notary knowledge. If you are getting your information from others who would probably score 30%, how reliable do you believe their information would be?
Get your information from your State Notary Division. They are legally responsible for publishing information regarding your state’s notary laws, procedures, forms, etc. Even getting information by phone from the notary division is risky, because they could tell you anything. Look for what is in writing for the safest results.
And remember, even the best Notary teachers out there are wrong about one or two things. I know this because I test them and they are not always right on certain hard to understand or nit-picky things (such as credible witnesses for example.) I am sometimes wrong about notary issues as well, although my track record is quite good overall.
So, get your information from the source itself because you could get yourself and others in trouble if you don’t. Additionally, many states have horrible handbooks with very incomplete information about certain topics. In that case, you can refer to other more reliable sources like well established notary organizations which might do a good job explaining some of the less understood notary acts such as Oaths!
Most of my information comes from NNA and each of the title Companies or Signing Companies tries updating on any changes upcoming to watch out for…or mistakes they find that are common ….any other source is not viable for me…even other notaries …whose to know their level of experience…and we are liable for what we DON’T know….
Comment by A.C. Dye — February 20, 2020 @ 7:12 pm
“NNA and 123notary publish a lot of notary information online.” EXACTLY!!! I never know if I search the Internet who wrote it, if I can interpret it, and if it is correct. I Also get my Notarial information from the 2 attorneys with whom I share an office.
Comment by betty — February 20, 2020 @ 7:21 pm
I should think one’s primary resource is the Secretary of State’s notary public department. Oregon publishes a handbook with notary rules and knowledge of those rules is required to pass the exam. Oregon has both e-mail and telephone opportunities for answering questions. I have gotten incorrect information from NNA. Each state has their own rules.
Comment by Rick Phillips — February 20, 2020 @ 7:35 pm
This is such a great reminder, thank you! I cringe when I see questions and answers on Facebook group pages that are obviously wrong! We all need to be accountable and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
Comment by Candi Angotti — February 21, 2020 @ 12:59 pm
This is such a great reminder, thank you! I cringe when I see questions and answers on Facebook group pages that are obviously wrong! We all need to be accountable and hold ourselves to the highest standards. I recently had very favorable results when I contacted the Office of the Great Seal here in Michigan. They were happy to help and had their legal team research and givr me good advice backed by Michigan nororial act law.
Comment by Candi Angotti — February 21, 2020 @ 1:02 pm
This is such a great reminder, thank you! I cringe when I see questions and answers on Facebook group pages that are obviously wrong! We all need to be accountable and hold ourselves to the highest standards. I recently had very favorable results when I contacted the Office of the Great Seal here in Michigan. They were happy to help and had their legal team research and gave me good advice backed by Michigan notorial act law.
Comment by Candi Angotti — February 21, 2020 @ 1:04 pm
I USE NNA AND MY STATE DEPARTMENT
Comment by Francis A Colavita — January 5, 2021 @ 12:04 am