Tip #1

TIP #1

When you work many signing, you run the risk of running out of supplies or even equipment breaking down. So my tip for you is to keep extras of the following...

1. Have an extra laser in cartridge for your printer.
2. Have a second notary seal made in case it runs out of ink or breaks.
3. Have extra of all your supplies like pens, clips, and envelops. 

Power of Attorney (POA)

I notarized a Durable Power of Attorney last week and several things happened which led me to call the NNA legal line for advice. So, here is what happened and how to deal with certain things.

The principal's thumbs as well as other fingers were bent and a right thumb print was not possible. A notary can take the left thumbprint, or any of the other fingers, as long as it is noted in the notary's journal and why.

The principal did not have the list of initialing done before I arrived. SO I asked her to take care of it at the moment.  A notary cant notarize incomplete documents. The documents need to be completed prior to notary's arrival or while the notary is there. The form needs to be completed.

Typically, only the principal's signature is notarized and the agent / attorney-in-fact isn't. You would notarize the agent / attorney-in-fact only if there is verbiage or the principal asks for their signatures to be notarized.

At the very end of the Power of Attorney is a Preparation Statement. The notary should leave that part of the Power of Attorney blank because the notary did not prepare the document.

Always follow your state laws.

Grant Deed...4 Signers

My goodness. I received a grant deed with 4 signers. It really wasn't too hard and this was how I approached this transaction.

As I placed my supplies on the table, I decided that I would need to complete each signer one at a time from beginning to end. I completed it as if I were a doctor and they were my patients in the waiting room.

I called the first signer, obtained her ID and properly entered her information in my journal. Don't forget the fingerprint of the right thumb! Then I had her sign the grant deed. I followed this procedure for all four of the signers.

I decided to use 2 loose certificate acknowledgment and acknowledge two names per certificate. So I ended up with 2 certificates with two names on each. I received my notarial fee for 4 signatures. Tonight was a good night. Looking forward to more notary signings.

Notary Supplies - Dont Overpay

Once you pass the exam, you will notice that many companies will offer you your supplies at "amazing" prices. Slow down and compare prices. Believe it or not, I found all my supplies in the one place you would never think to look. AMAZON! Yes, you can get your supplies from Amazon at better prices than many of the notary supply companies.

Here are the must have supplies to begin as a notary.

Stamp/Seal
Inkless Thumbpad
Journal
Blue Pens
Paperclips
Receipt Book
Carrying Case for everything

That is it. If you are on a budget, then these items are what you need to start.

Getting the Notary Commission

Well, where do I start? I have been a teacher for over 10 years now. Within the last few years I have felt that I needed to supplement my income. So after a little bit of research I decided to get my notary public license. There are many ways and places to get the license. For me, I went to a local community college and signed up for the class. The class will usually tell you what you need to bring to the class in terms of payment and materials. Always have everything ready to go so you are not delayed.

The exam is not too difficult. Listen and ask questions in the class and you will do fine. Here is a little tip. The secretary of State of your state is an important resource. You can download the notary handbook and use that as a study guide. This guide is the "Holy Grail" for notaries. If you are in California, select the link  in "Resources" to go straight to their website.

Pictures, fees, live scanning, and everything else is usually explained during the notary class you take. Well, thanks for reading my blog. I hope to bring you all more interesting and valuable information and tips.