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The Pandemic and the Notary Swimming in the Storm

The Mobile Notary and the COVID Pandemic, seems like the nightmare that is never going it end.

Can you believe we’ve been at this for two months already?

And while we hope that the end of the tunnel is in sight, the fact is we are still a small fish in a large ocean, and hurricane season has already started (it really has).

Notary Provides Consumer Friendly Services

How to provide a safe service, one that the consumer feels safe, is still proving both difficult and rapidly changing.

We can look to our own industry, while looking at other industries to see what may work.

Bringing some plexiglass with you to signings probably isn’t the best way to go. Curbside service would be great, but impracticable as well. But, looking at industries are there any things that may work for notaries?

Mona Lisa in Coronavirus Mask

Potential Notary Safety Measures

Can we learn something from other industries?

  1. Wearing a mask and gloves has pretty much been the law of the land, at least the mask. It is one of the easiest way to significantly assure consumer safety.
  2. We know it is not possible for every signing, but if you could have one outdoors, it is another thing that will most likely make the signer more at ease. Air circulates more easily outside. And curbside pickups and outdoor dining (where it has been allowed) both have been seen to boost consumer confidence.
  3. Sit as far away as possible. Social distancing is causing a lot of commotion, so do whatever you can to do so. Even if that means moving some to alleviate any concerns, as long as you do not think it will allow any errors or falsehoods in the notarization process.
  4. We know that online notaries are becoming a thing. Industry, which is using the pandemic to push forward online closings, may become a more significant part of our future. So, setting up an area in the office that is good for operations might not be a bad idea. Just don’t let the camera aim where people might see your family. (the recent viral video is hilarious)
  5. Fake it Until You Make It – Look and sound like someone who is confident in the measures you have taken. That confidence wears off on everyone in the room. If you look and act like the situation is in control, so will others.
  6. If you take a signing, do it. Unless the situation is bad, you need to do what you have to do. Once you accept a job, you need to do the job. Unless the situation at the job is bad. We heard a recent story where a closing had to be done four times. The first three notaries left, while the fourth notary closed the deal. Do you think the company will hire the first three notaries again? Unless there is a real good reason, probably with photos, they aren’t calling you again.

What Not to Do

There are also some things you should not do.

Coronavirus Motorcycle Helmet

Credit: The Sun

It’s halloween in April! No one around you will ever miss it.

But, while highly successful at social distancing, we are not sure the coronavirus helmet would go over too well with clients.

The Social Distancing Hula Hoop

Credit: Denver Post

We’re sure we aren’t the only ones who have seen a variation of the social distancing hula hoop.

If it is bad etiquette to wear something in public, it is probably a bad idea to use in your daily routine. We’d pay money if someone could actually hula hoop with one while walking down the street.

Norton Virus Protection

Bad British Mask Ideas
Credit: Metro UK

We wish the guy wearing a Norton Anti Virus was the only thing wrong here, as it is hilarious.

But, we wouldn’t advise going places with upside down bags on your head or a giant pet food container. Although we do appreciate the effort.

Back to Reality for Notaries

As the days of the pandemic move on, as more businesses start to open up, and as more business is done, the demand for notaries will rise with it.

While some people are more lax, others are going to be very wary long into the future. So planning a way forward for our businesses is only prudent.

We’ve hopefully given you a couple of decent ideas, and definitely showed you some of the wrong ways to do things.

But, we will close as we always do. Business is opening up in places around the country, which will mean more activity, so be safe and be successful.

This is part five of our series on Notaries and the Coronavirus. Here are some links to other articles.

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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.

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Dekalb County Georgia Makes Changes to Notary Law

For those of you doing business in Dekalb County, Georgia, there are some updates to notary law coming soon. The new measures will be put into effect on January 1st, 2025.

It always seems to start with new notaries. They will now have to pass an educational training course to get their commission. It will now be part of the application process.

But, veterans, don’t fret, you aren’t left out. Among the provisions are required their notebook requirements. This is put in place to protect self-filers.

Here are some of the changes to the law.

Dekalb County Georgia Makes Changes to Notary Law

A notary public shall maintain a written or electronic journal for each notarial act performed at the request of a self-filer for real estate documents.

A notary public applicant is required to complete an educational training class prior to the applicant’s initial (new) appointment.

A notary public applicant is required to complete an educational training class prior to the applicant’s renewal of a current appointment A notary public applicant will be provided a certificate upon successful completion of the training course.

A notary public applicant must include the certificate of completion with the notary application to the Clerk of Superior Court

On Common Ground News

Here are a couple of links related to the subject.

Notary Training Course

New Notary Bill

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.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

New York Bill Aimed at Easing Unnecessary Legal Burdens for Notaries is Vetoed by Governor

It appears the bill passed through the New York legislature has hit a roadblock. Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill that would have relieved some burdens for notaries.

The bill dealt with how physical records are treated and stored.

We came across this bill a couple of months ago, and have been excited about its potential. Unfortunately, it did not make it across the finish line.

New York State Flag

The COVID epidemic introduces new challenges and new laws for notaries. Among them were bookkeeping and record-keeping changes that were onerous for notaries. This caused many New York attorneys to stop being notaries, as a ten year minimum on records was deemed too big a liability.

Hence, New York Bar stepped in and introduced a bill to remedy the situation.

Here is a statement by Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association.

“For more than a century, New Yorkers commissioned as notaries public have been able to effectively implement their responsibilities – simply noting their name and notary identification number when doing so. When the legislature adopted new statutes enabling notarizations to occur electronically, there was an understanding that new standards should be imposed to protect consumers who were availing themselves of technological advancements, but there was no record to justify changing the standards imposed on in-person notarizations. Yet, when adopting the new rules, the state implemented rules establishing onerous record keeping requirements burdening attorneys practicing in New York State. The disclosure aspect of the superfluous rules also encroach on attorney-client privilege, as lawyers often notarize documents by clients that contain privileged information. Although it is understandable why those offering electronic notarization should be held to a higher standard to prevent fraudulent acts, I am disappointed in the governor’s veto of a bill that would have removed onerous and useless record keeping requirements burdening attorneys who perform in-person notarial acts. We will continue to advocate for a fix to these rules that make the practice of law less efficient and puts clients at risk.”

While the statement applies to lawyers, it would affect all notaries positively. Unfortunately, after the veto it appears dead in the water.

Louisiana Notary Exam Goes Digital

2025 will see notary accreditation head online. In spring, it will have sprung on all aspiring notaries.

The test may only be done at one location. It will be held at the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. It will be held multiple times each month and will replace the paper exam.

Notaries will be given additional time for each exam question. The exams will also be available more times each month than they are currently.

“We are very excited by this development. The new format will provide more opportunities to pass the examination, significantly shorten the wait-time for re-taking it, and allow for scores to be released faster. It is our hope that eventually we can make the examination available at other testing sites around the state,” Secretary Landry said.

Louisiana Notary Exam Goes Digital

Other testing sites would be a welcome addition for notaries. We’d imagine it is difficult for some to make the trip to Baton Rouge.

The final paper exam will be towards the end of January 2025. The 2025 edition of the notary study guide will be available in January on the Secretary of State’s website.

To find more information about the change please visit this page.