Arizona: major changes in notary law

Arizona is changing its notary law. Effective July 20, 2011, a notary and client must speak the same language. Later the Secretary's summary says a translator who is present in front of the notary is acceptable.

To notarize a document in a language the notary doesn't understand, the document must contain an affidavit from the translator that the translation is complete and accurate. The notarization is performed on the translation. There are other changes, which seem substantial.


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A Pennsylvania notary has surrendered her commission for at least 3 years. She was accused of notarizing for 6 people who did not appear before her and failing to note 3 documents in her journal. Two other people from the same state have also surrendered their commissions. They allegedly notarized candidate nominating petitions without requiring the signers to appear before them.


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Image courtesy of Liz Noffsinger

Feds crack down on notarios

Notaries pretending to be notarios and doing immigration work now have 3 federal agencies on their tail. Seven cities are targeted.

A poster online alleges he was told loan officers at a certain bank notarize documents for loans they originate as common practice. Typically states prohibit notaries from notarizing a document in which they have a financial interest.


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Image courtesy of Simon Howden

AG reminds notary she's not a lawyer

A notary in Tennessee is accused of portraying herself as a notario publico. She allegedly drafted legal documents without being licensed to practice law. The attorney general is suing to close her office.

The New Mexico governor has shifted responsibility for investigating notary public misdeeds away from the Attorney General. The Regulation and Licensing Department will now handle such allegations.


----12 Tips to Make More Money as a Notary Public
Available for just 99 cents from Kindle or Nook or instant PDF download
Probably tax deductible as business expense--ask your accountant.

Image courtesy of Michal Marcol.
Photo is illustrative and not intended to represent the notary under discussion.

Don't commit fraud in front of other people. Just a tip.

Reportedly an office manager in Florida allegedly signs the owner's name to documents (as well as other employees' names.) She then notarizes them. If I were doing this, I wouldn't let employees see me--one of whom asked about the practice on the web.

A notary asks should clients sign a contract? Generally no. The money involved is usually small. Putting up any roadblocks will just make the customer move to the next notary public.

One exception might be if your state allows you to do weddings. If you're doing more than solemnizing the vows, you may want a contract to spell out what.

---12 Tips to Make More Money as a Notary Public
Available for just 99 cents from Kindle or Nook or instant PDF download
Probably tax deductible as business expense--ask your accountant.

Image courtesy of Ambro