Stories, tips & tricks, and learnings by a real California notary public with 20 years of experience.
Your journal needs to be as detailed as required. The California Secretary of State’s all-important Notary Public Handbook spells out all the information that is required for each and every journal entry. The six required items don’t seem like much, but they can become quite lengthy when you consider the “character of every instrument” (or … Read more
When the Unexpected Happens at a Signing Appointment Mobile notary work rarely goes exactly as planned. Over the years, I have encountered difficult pets, health emergencies, technical failures, and tight deadlines. Recently, I experienced two appointments that perfectly illustrate why flexibility, calm decision-making, and schedule padding are essential for every mobile notary. Emergency Pauses an … Read more
Potential increase in loan signing volume. With interest rates on loans declining, many borrowers, both corporate and individual, will begin comparing rates with lenders to secure new lines of financing. This could mean a significant uptick in loan signings in the next few months of the new year. Why is this sudden shift such a … Read more
California is one of the strictest when it comes to notary procedures. I have completed a thorough review of notary public requirements by each state, and let me tell you that here in California, the notary public bar is set the highest. Let’s start with what it takes to become a notary public in California. … Read more
Corporate Offices Businesses of all levels and sizes need the services of notaries public for a wide variety of documents. Here’s some examples of documents a notary public could be asked to notarize for a corporation and some tips for handling the appointments. – Articles of Incorporation: When a business is just starting, notaries can … Read more
California notaries perform different types of notarial acts, each with specific rules. Learn the key differences between Acknowledgments, Jurats, and Copy Certifications, when to use each form, and how to stay compliant with California notary laws. A must-read guide for new and experienced notaries alike.
Acting like a “pro” in your job every time. California notaries public are tasked, first and foremost, with preventing fraud on important signed documents. And of course, this means going through that all-important checklist when you meet with your signer – no matter if it’s the first meeting of the fiftieth. Whether it’s an Acknowledgment … Read more
Got your commission package in the mail? Now you need to act pretty fast. In order to officially start working as a California Notary Public, it’s required to file your oath and bond with the County Clerk in the county where you maintain a principal place of business, as shown in the application you filed … Read more
Chat Groups, Forums, and Videos Are Not Always Reliable Sources of Information Group Mentality May Not Have Your Back New notaries public often feel a little intimidated when they start their actual notary work, even if they completed all the required education and received a good score on the state exam. And while social media … Read more
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