In the current economy, many people are looking for different opportunities to bring in new income. But, is becoming a notary the right decision for you?
It may not be an easy choice for someone on the ropes, but here are a few things to think about if you are looking to become a notary.
Read MoreWhen looking at the situation from a quick glance, Remote Online Notarization looks to be the superior choice when it comes to convenience for the signer.
Let’s take a look at the benefits it provides and how they stack up versus traditional signings.
Read MoreRemote Online Notarization, or RON, is an exciting technology that is starting to change the landscape for some notarial signings. It offers a variety of new safety measures, but do they add up?
What exactly are the new features and how do they impact your signing(s)?
Read MoreRemote Online Notarization is using a notary over a video connection to complete a legal signing. It brings new technologies to getting documents notarized, aimed at bringing public notaries to you in a digital fashion. This process can be faster than other notarization technologies, based on situation.
As remote online notarization moves across the nation, it is important to understand the differences, advantages and disadvantages of this new type of notary signing, and in the end, if it is the right option for you.
Let’s Take a Look at remote online notarization, and some of the impacts it has on you. Then you will know more about if it is the best option for you.
Read MoreOne set of large changes for the notary industry is potentially on the horizon with the SECURE Notarization Act. It is a federal bill that allows remote online notarization in all fifty states.
It is now sitting on the desks of the Senate’s Committee on the Judiciary. Originally introduced on May 1st, 2025, the bill is still in committee.
Read MoreMost everyone wants to be on the top of their game. So what separates the top notch 1% notaries?
The fact is most of it is simple. And attention to detail just takes some patience and determination.
Read MoreMarch 2026
Well, by now we assume you’ve heard about Todd Jacy, the now former Nebraska notary charged with improper conduct regarding a medical marijuana initiative. He was found guilty of 23 charges of official misconduct and 1 count of making a false statement under oath.
His case has sparked a firestorm in Nebraska, with both his criminal trial, but also a newer case that went all the way to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Read MoreThis one seems pretty simple, I mean everyone should know this, right.
Apparently not.
We’re really not going to delve into any of the many notary scams running around right now. We’re just telling you to make sure you are not involved in one.
Remember, everything is saved. People take screenshots. The social media company preserves everything, even things you have deleted. They just don’t show publicly, but they are there. And this will come back to bite you in the future.
It may not be today or tomorrow, but it is coming.
Firstly, let your notary friends and clients know to keep an eye out for this stuff.
Before you friend someone, or reply to a direct message, ask yourself this. Does it sound too good to be true? Is there a way I can verify the veracity of this person?
If the answer is no, ignore or report it.
You don’t want to be following someone, or even liking a post, unless you know who and what you are dealing with.
And yes, this goes for your personal account as well. A lot of people can connect the company to the person. In effect, assume your personal posts are being watched as well.
Well, it is time to get to the good stuff:
So simply, keep it sanitized, post on a schedule, and use your imagination a little. This is what it takes to thrive on social media.
Sunshine Signing provides nationwide mobile notary and Remote Online Notarization (RON) services backed by 20 years of trusted experience in the title industry.
Feb. 2026
Some candidates for public office in Indiana will, or already have, updated documents to be properly notarized.
That is the word from the Secretary of State’s office.
Here are the basics. Candidates filed with properly notarized documents. But, they made amendments to the filing that were not properly notarized. This has lead to some candidates having to have amendments properly notarized.
Yes, probably.
Advocates have called into question whether the opponent’s challenge of a candidate’s documents would be valid. The law is rigid, in that it requires the notarizations, but it also has a lot of leeway for the Secretary of State’s office to accept documents they believe to be valid.
In any case, the Secretary of State’s office said they followed all procedures. Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales’s office had a response to the issue:
Candidates should be assured that the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office takes every precaution necessary to guarantee candidate filing paperwork is completed according to Indiana law,” Morales said in the statement. “As Indiana’s chief election officer, I will continue serving Hoosiers and not allow misleading reports to discredit confidence in our state’s election process.
As ballot seekers raced to complete paperwork, the biggest reason cited was not allowing their opponent to challenge.
One State Senator called it annoying.
Still, others came to re-file with a more positive spirit.
Late filers had an advantage.
Two days before the deadline, and new paperwork was still rolling in. But, most of these candidates had heard of the fuss and properly notarized all of their documents before submitting their paperwork.
A state Senator remarked that people have to ensure that everything is done diligently and properly.
The Secretary of State’s office kerfuffle looks to have been solved by following the law to the letter. Legal challenges to candidates’ filing status should be averted.
But, the Secretary of State’s office points to a previous law challenge that complicated the situation for some, specifically in Lake County. Lake County requires all potential candidates to apply in person at the county office.
Staff used to be able to notarize documents in the building, but an office move led to a lawsuit. It alleged that county personnel that are notaries should not be able to notarize documents.
It did not succeed, but the office went through some confusion during the lawsuit. The court ended up ruling in favor of the Lake County Clerk’s Office.
For their part, the Lake County Clerk’s Office has moved to avert any confusion. It has been conveyed to employees that they may also become notaries. They already have half a dozen on staff.
Hey, we’re always for documents being signed correctly. So, we don’t see how this ended in any other outcome ended in “Use a Notary”!
Sunshine Signing provides nationwide mobile notary and Remote Online Notarization (RON) services backed by 20 years of trusted experience in the title industry.
Jan 2026
We missed this when it was first released in October, but it is still ongoing so it is still a good idea to remind everyone. While this is currently happening in Maine, there is no reason it will not spread to other states that are vulnerable.
The Maine Secretary of State gave a warning of current scams targeting notaries, including those acting as wedding officiants.
Beware of over payments.
So this is how it goes. Client hires you to do a signing. Everything goes fine until after the signing.
The trick comes when you get paid. The client pays you too much money for the signing. Then they inevitably ask for you to refund the over payment. This is red flag #1.
Anyways, being the honest business person you are, you gladly refund the money. But, a bad surprise awaits. Your original payment either bounces or if digital, the payment is withdrawn.
Now you are out of the money for your services, but also for the refund.
“I urge anyone who receives an “overpayment” for services to be vigilant,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “Refuse the initial payment and ask that they resend it in the proper amount or wait for the payment to clear before any refund is sent. And if you accept digital payments, make sure you understand the policies of the platform you use. If you were scammed out of any money, contact your local law enforcement.”
So, it seems like we need to do a couple of things.
If someone overpays, refuse it. Request payment in the proper amount. It can quickly turn into a game of three card monte. And we know you always lose that game. Make sure your red flag alert is in full gear still.
We think the more important part is to make sure you got paid for your services before you deal with the potential scammer again. Make sure the money is in your account. And make sure you have all your ducks in a row when it comes with your payment service.
It was re-iterated that if you are being hussled or have already been scammed, contact your local law enforcement, which seems pretty obvious to us.
We always preach to protect yourself during signings. Ensure the signer is who they say they are, and not acting under distress. Make sure all of the documents are lined up and no information is missing. Make sure to keep your log up to date, etc.
Well, protect yourself for payments as well. Stay on top of it. Make sure you have the money.
And Beware of Over Payments.
