Why Notary Training Is Crucial
There are a number of states that don't require any type of formal training to become a Notary Public. Texas is one of those states, and so is New Mexico. I have been asked during appointments, What does it take to become a Texas notary public? I have gotten to the point where I am almost embarrassed to answer this question. As notaries, we play such a vital role in the communities that we serve, it's hard to believe that there are no training requirements for some states.
I have come across local notaries who tell me, I'm a notary public, but I've never done anything with it. Many people become notaries to notarize documents for their employers. Unfortunately, some employee notaries soon feel very comfortable notarizing documents for other company employees and don't necessarily follow all the state rules governing the notarization process.
I was once at a signing with an attorney and his wife (here in Texas). His wife was a notary public at her place of employment. She shared an experience she once had as a notary. By the way, she had never received any formal notary training. It seems that since she was just notarizing documents for employees of her employer, she did not feel it necessary to use her notary journal. The use of a notary journal is not optional in Texas; it is a requirement. At any rate, one of the documents she had notarized was being used in court, and a copy of the notary journal page was requested for the court proceedings. Well, lo and behold, there was no journal copy, because she had not been using a journal. She said they made a big deal out of it, and, if I remember correctly, she was also fined. She even confided in me how scared she was during the whole process.
Anyway, I shared the story above to make a point. Even though there may not be any mandatory training for your state, that does not give you an excuse not to follow the state laws and regulations governing your notary commission. The excuse I didn't know is not viable. Every notary public should make a conscious effort to learn the rules and regulations governing his or her commission.
The American Association of Notaries believes that state agencies that commission notaries public must offer free training to all notaries. The training must be comprehensive, cover applicable laws and regulations, and provide the instruction needed to ensure that they are able to properly serve their communities as notaries public.
-- Phyllis Traylor, U.S. Army Retired is a Contributing Writer with the American Association of Notaries
Legal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries seeks to provide timely articles for notaries to assist them with information for managing their notary businesses, enhancing their notary education, and securing their notary stamp and notary supplies. Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. However, we make no warrant, expressed or implied, and we do not represent, undertake, or guarantee that the information in the newsletter is correct, accurate, complete, or non-misleading. Information in this article is not intended as legal advice. We are not attorneys. We do not pretend to be attorneys. Though we will sometimes provide information regarding notaries' best practices, federal laws and statutes, and the laws and statutes of each state, we have gathered this information from a variety of sources and do not warrant its accuracy. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, loss, damage, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss or consequential loss out of or in connection with the use of the information contained in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their states' notary authorities or attorneys in their state if they have legal questions. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.
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