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Notary News

Have You Seen Notary Publix?

If Notary Publix sounds foreign to you, you are not alone.  And no, it does not mean you can get documents notarized at your local Publix grocery store.  If you are looking for a notary near you, you have hit the wrong page.

And no, this article is not about whether or not the grocery chain publix does notarizations. (cough, google, cough)

Notary Publix is a comedic web series from 2015 featuring former Saturday Night Live actress Kate McKinnon, as well as her real life sister Emily Lynne. They play Gina and Theresa Fra Diavolo, a pair of notaries that take their job very seriously, but sometimes it ends in an epic fail.

They have a notary nemesis, Erin Oatmeal, who is always trying to stir up trouble.  Be it convincing them to break rules or make mistakes, or sending in people to give the sisters trouble, she is a thorn in their side.

It is a six episode series of short episodes, all just under five minutes.  Which means you can catch one quickly, and give yourself a nice smile and a couple of laughs.

If you have not seen it, you need to, even just to laugh at these notaries’ antics.  It is a great quick escape, and we’ve found it enjoyable even after watching a couple of times.

The shorts originally aired on IFC, the Independent Film Channel, but all of the episodes are also available on Youtube.

So, if you want to watch it for the first time, or maybe just see the shenanigans again, here is where you can find all six episodes of Notary Publix.

And then you can rejoice that the day to day of your business is superior to theirs.  We hope you enjoy Notary Publix as much as we have, and that you have learned to set yourself apart in a better way than they do in the video shorts.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Top 5 Biggest Blundering Notaries of 2017

Most notaries mainly worry about their job and making sure everything is accurate and professionally done, while minimizing mistakes.

Unfortunately, some notaries don’t seem to realize that they hold a public position, and when they do something stupid, it tends to hit the news. Remember that, because your reputation is on the line, both on the job, and even when you aren’t doing a signing.

We’re not naming names here, but here are your top five blundering notaries of 2017.

#5 – We have a tie here, and they are both from Louisiana.  And both were notaries who owned title companies, and both were arrested for selling fake drivers licenses.

A Metarie man allegedly sold over 400 fake drivers licenses through two branches of his title and notary business.  He was able to actually access the DMV and print out what appeared to be real licenses.  He was charged with 420 counts of computer fraud and falsifying records.

A Denham Springs woman was arrested for selling fake driver’s licenses through her business.  Police found her after they pulled someone over who had one of her fake licenses.  When police raided her business, they found all the machinery and materials to create hundreds more drivers licenses.

#4 – In September, a notary in San Diego was charged with wire and mail fraud conspiracy and identity theft charges.  In a massive real estate scam that bilked an estimated 50 million dollars from investors, she and her partner sold the same properties over and over again to fake buyers.  They then created false paperwork showing that the loans and been paid off.  Then they created new fake buyers and went through the whole process again.

She was also accused of destroying evidence regarding the practice.  The only silver lining here?  It was her partner who took most of the flack and his photo was the main one circulating on the news.

#3 – In July, in Newport, Kentucky, a notary was charged with forging signatures on a public petition regarding a murder trial.  When she could not get the number of signatures required, it is alleged that she forged the remaining names needed.  And she is not blamed at all for her notarial duties, but she is charged with 28 counts of felony forgery.  Of 156 signatures acquired, only 38 were deemed to be authentic.

Worst part?  She was doing it for her employer and now she gets to be the one getting drug through the mud.

Biggest Notary Blunders

#2 -Our number two blundering notary holds the distinction of being the only one who made national headlines, for all the wrong reasons.  A notary from the Bronx, who was allegedly under the influence of K2 (a synthetic form of marijuana) careened down a sidewalk in Times Square in May.  His mistake was fatal, as 1 person died and 22 were injured.  Police reported he looked intoxicated after the crash.

Witnesses said he went the wrong way on the 7th avenue sidewalk for three blocks.

#1 – It is bad enough when you bring yourself down.  But, when you carry law enforcement with you, we are taking it to a whole new level.  An Orlando, FL notary, who happened to be the notary for the Florida Highway Patrol, came under suspicion because of one document, related to schools, and not even her duties for the Florida Highway Patrol.  Not only was she charged with a third degree felony, but every document she ever signed for the Florida Highway Patrol came under suspicion.

So what grand prize did she win for her notary blunder?  A free haircut for her son. Three to five years in jail for a free haircut!

Definitely not worth it.

How about a bonus blunder, with a little bit of Vatican scandal mixed in?

A South Dakota notary, who is also a Reverend and connected to the Vatican, was accused of sexual harassment in August.  And get this, he is serving as the notary for an Archbishop under trial for sexual abuse of a minor.  The official story of the alleged harassment was not released, however the church said they investigated it fully and found no wrongdoing.

If you liked this article, check out:

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Fed Surprises and Holds Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve defied expectations last week and left interest rates unchanged.  The decision boosted the value of the dollar in the international markets.

Still, there is an impending raise in rates before the end of the year.  The majority of analysts still believe that the rate will be bumped by a quarter of a percent at the Fed’s December meeting.  How does the Fed raising interest rate affect notaries?

New economic projections released after the Fed’s two-day policy meeting showed 11 of 16 officials see the “appropriate” level for the federal funds rate, the central bank’s benchmark interest rate, to be in a range between 1.25 percent and 1.50 percent by the end of 2017, or 0.25 percentage points above the current level.

— Reuters

Low rates still abound, and are great for the market. And expectations of rate increases is always a good motivator to get people into the real estate or loan market before they are charged a higher rate.

The kicker that we are seeing right now, as that in the short term, housing sales have taken a hit. It is a small percentage, so it is nothing to panic about, but low housing inventory is leading to rising prices. Whether this motivates potential buyers to pull the trigger before prices get higher, or if it causes people to hold off on purchases remains to be seen. But, consider this:

Homes are also selling quickly because of the lack of options for buyers. The average number of days on the market was 30 in August, down from 36 a year ago.

— USA Today
Fed Rates and Housing Sales

Optimism for the housing markets in 2018 is higher, as a larger influx of newly constructed homes are expected to hit the market and raise inventory levels. Which will hopefully increase sales and increase work for notaries.

There has been a lack of newly built homes in the last decade since the crash. With new home construction up, we are finally seeing concrete (or wood) evidence that developers and their investors are confident in a growing marketplace for home buyers.

If that happens, it will help mobile notaries make more money.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Notary Search

A notary search can be frustrating and time consuming.

People performing a notary search can easily find the process to be more than they want to manage, especially in business. Sure, you can find notary directories online, but you’ll find yourself calling way too many of them to be worth your time.

So, I have a list of notaries near me and I pick up the phone and start calling them.  I quickly find out many of them are booked, so I keep calling.

And I quickly realize the difficulty in finding time to arrange myself and the other party, as well as the notary, all at the same time.  Sure, I can find a time for me and the notary, or for me and the other party, but finding a time that works for all of us is like sticking a square peg in a round hole.

Then I realize that I have multiple signings at different times and places.  And I get covered in dread as I pick up the phone and start dialing some more.

And soon I realize that I am wasting too much productivity doing a notary search I really don’t have the time or inclination to do.

Start Your Notary Search

Wasted Productivity and Time

So now I’ve buried half the day into a notary search I thought would take ten or fifteen minutes.  And I didn’t have the time to pay attention to more pressing issues at hand.

So I throw my hands in the air and say this is not working!

Seriously, I:

  • Found a notary directory easily enough
  • Picked up the phone and dialed and dialed trying to find the right notary
  • Then I had to deal with the other party in the signing and arrange a time with them as well
  • And this cycle went around in circles, just like my head, as this is not my forte at all

Perform Your Notary Search More Efficiently

And then I finally found Sunshine Signing.  They are a mobile and online notary service that has tens of thousands of notaries across the country.

And better yet, they handle all of the scheduling!

I just give them a time and place and they send a notary to me.  All of that hassle out the window.  All the productivity and time wasted is gone and I can focus on the core portion of my business.

Better yet, they ensure my notary is qualified and has a full background check.  They verify the notary has valid licensing and insurance.

And did I mention, they bring the notary to me, instead of me bringing myself to the notary.

The next time you perform a notary search, start it with Sunshine.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Mobile Notary

A mobile notary is an entrepreneur that makes everyone’s life easier by traveling to a signing for a document that needs notarizing.  Many of them work nights and weekends and are able to work around the schedule of your business or personal life.  They run their business out of their homes and vehicles, and are ready for even last minute closings.

It does not matter if it is a place of business, a home, job site, even your local diner or airport, they will meet you wherever you need to get a document notarized.

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New Notary Rules Quietly Start in Arkansas

Sometimes a state does a great job of letting everyone know that new rules for notaries are forthcoming.  Sometimes, not as well.

The state of Arkansas quietly had new rules for notaries go into effect yesterday.  It is part of act HB 4150 passed in Arkansas 91st Assembly.  The changes have deftly avoided the news feeds, and we were led to the text of the bill just yesterday.

Read More

Document Signing Service

So you need a document signed?  Legally and quickly?  Then you are looking for a document signing service, and you are definitely in the right place.

Whether it is a loan, legal documents, wills and trusts, and any other document that you need notarized, our vast network of notaries has you covered.  They even come to your place of business, home, coffee house or other place of meeting.

Or with the expansion of the market, Sunshine also has plenty of online notaries as well.

Simply put, Sunshine adds a smile to your day (or night) (or weekend) by delivering professional service directly to you.  It doesn’t matter if you just have one document that needs to be signed, or if you have thousands across the United States.  We are your nationwide document signing service.

What does a Document Signing Service Do For Me?

Sunshine utilizes a vast network of certified notaries across the United States.  They are both mobile and online, meaning they come to you wherever you are.  So you can rest assured that anywhere you need a document signing service, Sunshine will have the proper notary ready for you.

This replaces the time honored (or better yet, time wasted) tradition of trying to shove a square block in a round hole.

What do we mean by that?

Your Document Signing Service is Sunshine Signing

The traditional way of using a notary is to try and get all parties assembled, during business hours (if you are lucky and they are open all day) to get a document signed.  Well, in today’s economy, that is just not possible in most cases.  The world moves fast, and you need a document signing service that can keep up with the changing demand.  Even on nights and weekends.

Why Use Sunshine as Your Document Signing Service?

  • We have a reliable network of tens of thousands of notaries across the United States.  Big Cities, rural areas, they are all covered.
  • All of our notaries go through extensive background checks and are supremely professional.
  • At some point, your business is going to need both types of notaries.
  • Our phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.  We will connect you with the proper notary for your signing at any time.
  • Our web based software allows you to place and track your orders in real time.  You can upload and track documents, and oversee every step of the process.
  • And the best reason you should use Sunshine as your Document Signing Service?  We stand behind our work.  We will ensure the job is done correctly and that you are happy with the result.  And we will work with you though any potential issues until they are resolved.

When you need a document signing service, we welcome you to make a Sunshine Signing Connection.  To find our more about what we can do for you feel free to find out more about us and prepare to be delighted.

24 Hour Notary

If you are here right now it is likely it is two o’clock in the morning. You are looking for a 24 hour notary and you are totally frizzed out trying to find a notary on a totally wrecked schedule and your eighth cup of coffee.

Or, maybe it is the daytime and you are just exploring your options (we can hope).

Seriously, though, the world is fast paced and we can understand both your needs and your frustration. And we are purposefully designed to remove that frustration from you.

Sunshine Signing Has Your 24 Hour Notary

Either way, Sunshine specializes in all situations and can get a notary to your location faster than anyone else in the business.

We are not just a 24 hour notary, we have a gigantic network of after hours and weekend notaries across the United States. Notaries that can get to your location quickly and can process your documents efficiently. Notaries that are professional and have undergone full background checks.

We understand you may be in a bind, or on a tight deadline, or even worse.  We’ve all been there! 

But, that is what we are here for! 

One call to Sunshine Signing and you can forget your problem, as we will find the right 24 hour notary for you and get them to your location when you need them.  And you don’t even have to be in a big city.  Our notary network covers rural areas as well. 

Can you hear us now? Good! (Ok, maybe that one is a little old.)

Finding a 24 Hour Notary Can be Frustrating

Why Would Anyone Need a 24 Hour Notary?

You are the one here, so why don’t you tell us!

Seriously, though, the economy has modernized and people are working outside of conventional hours more and more.  They might be closing real estate deals or only be in town in a tight window to get documents signed.

They might not work conventional hours and need personal or family documents signed.  It is also becoming more prevalent for neighbors and small business people to do after hours signings, because it is easier to gather all necessary parties at those times.

So there are a lot of reasons someone might need a 24 hour notary.

What Documents Can I Get Notarized at 2 O’Clock in the Morning?

It really does not matter. While most people are doing real estate deals, others are finalizing loans.

Power of Attorney, Structured Settlement, an IOU to your sketchy nephew, you can get them all done.

Sunshine Signing can notarize any legal document with a 24 hour notary. And do not forget the 7/365. Even on a holiday, if it needs to be done. A professional and certified notary will ensure it is done right.

The Rise of 24 Hour Notary Services

It is a simple case of supply and demand. The client (that’s you) demands it, and the signing service (that’s us) supplies it.

One big market that has emerged is people closing deals on the west coast before they catch the red eye. There is no time to wait until the next day. The plane is leaving now, and accordingly the deal must be closed now.

In this case, there is no tomorrow. But, there are a network of notaries willing to meet you anywhere you find convenient to get that deal done. And that network works with Sunshine Signing.

The Digital Revolution

Have social anxiety? Don’t like face to face interaction? We can handle that, too.

Sunshine’s network of notaries include online notaries as well. All you need is a computer with a good internet connection. The notarization process can occur completely online through a technology called remote online notarization, or RON for short. And a RON notary can also be a 24 hour notary.

Our signing service gives you all the options you desire. Just contact us and we can make it happen.

Sunshine Signing Logo

How do We Find Notaries at Two in the Morning?

That is the great thing, you don’t have to worry about it.

Sunshine Signing takes care of all the details for you. This is because we have a national network of tens of thousands of certified notaries.

Do they all work 24 hours?

No.

But, we still have a roster of thousands who are more than willing to work around your schedule. They might be night owls, or weekend warriors. It doesn’t really matter, does it?

The only thing that matters is the 24 hour notary will be there when you need them to be.

A 24 Hour Conclusion

So when you need a 24 hour notary we ask you to make a Sunshine Signing Connection.  Use our vast resources to make sure you get your signing done on time and at the location of your choosing.

We don’t really care if that is a place of business, a home, a job site, even your favorite diner. As long as it’s not a pit full of snakes.(<– insert bad joke here)

But, seriously, as long as the meeting place is safe, our mobile notaries are willing and able to notarize any document you need.

When you are in need, whether dire or not, you cannot and will not go wrong with Sunshine Signing Mobile Notary and Online Notary Service. Our 100% Florida based client service representatives are waiting for your call, or for you to fill out one of our web forms.

Simply click on the get started button below and get yourself on the fast track to your next notarization.

Whether you only need one document signed, or you need thousands, Sunshine has you covered.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Important Update for Pennsylvania Notaries

We recently covered upcoming rules changes for notaries in Pennsylvania.

New notary education rules were passed in Pennsylvania, requiring all new and renewing notaries to complete a three hour course. The course must be completed within six months before filing an application, or filing a renewal, to be a notary in the state of Pennsylvania.

The update here comes for current notaries. In the initial language of the rules, current notaries were “grandfathered” in and not required to meet the same educational demands as new notaries.

Read More

Upcoming 2018 Changes to Indiana Notary Laws

You can add Indiana to the states lined up to update their notary laws soon, as Indiana has approved changes to take effect in 2018. The changes will bring Indiana closer to the rest of the nation in regards to notarial law.

Of course, we’ll see tighter testing requirements for notaries, as we are seeing across the country, as well as changes to reflect traveling and other common notary issues.

Indiana did previously have testing for new notaries, but the test was not very substantial, and allowed potential notaries multiple guesses to get questions correct. That is going away and will be replaced by a new, more comprehensive test for prospective notaries. Current notaries will need to re-take the test every two years, as well.

A big update is being made to reflect the fact that notaries are traveling more and more to provide services. Previous law only allowed a notary to charge up to $2 to travel to a signing, even though many, if not most, signings required more than $2 worth of gas to travel to.

Indiana to Update Notary Laws

Seriously, two dollars!

Fortunately, the new law allows for notaries to charge for travel expenses at the federal mileage rate. It also raises the amount notaries are allowed to charge for their services.

Another issue being addressed is who can become a notary public in Indiana. Current law states that you must be a resident of the state. The new law states that you only need to work in the state to become a notary.  We have also seen this issue recently in North Carolina.

This is yet another reason you need a nationwide notary company like Sunshine Signing, who has notaries ready in all 50 states.

It is common practice for many businesses to have someone in the office commissioned as a notary. This has been a problem in border areas of the state. Many of these businesses employ individuals who live out of the state. These employees were automatically disqualified from being an Indiana notary due to their residence. To eliminate this inconvenience, Indiana will allow individuals primarily employed in the state of Indiana to become Indiana notaries.

— Eagle Country Online

Another issue that will affect notaries directly are bond requirements. Currently, a notary has to hold a $5,000 bond, which will be raised to $25,000. For current notaries, though, there will be no change until the end of their commission. Their current bond will be grandfathered in until their current commission expires, and won’t change to $25,000 until then.

Laws affecting notaries are changing all over the country now, to reflect the changing times we live in, and to protect notaries and their clients. Expect to see more states update their laws in the coming months and years.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000