What do you do with old notary books?

Is notary a high risk business?

Even though statistically, less than 2% of full-time notaries end up in court, the risk of a lawsuit is significant enough to make one want to ensure they have coverage.

What are the downsides of being a notary?

What makes a notary invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Do notary publics keep records?

States That Require Notary Publics To Keep a Record Book:

California. Colorado. Delaware. District of Columbia.

When can I destroy my notary journal?

Under no circumstances should you throw an old notary journal away. Some states consider it a felony to do so. These journals serve to protect you against potential lawsuits, but they also contain highly sensitive information about your clients.

Do notarized copies expire?

Notarized documents don't expire, but their validity can be affected by outdated information or an expired notary commission. Keep details current and ensure the notary's seal is clear to avoid issues.

What happens if someone uses your notary stamp?

Importance of safeguarding your notary stamp.

If a notary stamp is used to commit fraud in your name, then you will have to prove that you did not notarize the document in question. This can be challenging and costly, will always involve hiring an attorney, and could involve giving testimony in court.

How to tell if a notary is real?

To check a notary, contact the issuing state's Notary Public Administrator. They'll confirm if it's legit.

What can you do with notary books?

If you plan to continue being a Notary, keep your completed journals under your direct and exclusive control. If you plan to resign your commission, deliver all of your journals to the county clerk's office in which your current oath is on file within 30 days of the resignation.

Should I keep a notary journal?

Yes. Most states require or strongly recommend that Notaries own and maintain a journal or record book of the acts they perform.

What if I make a mistake in my notary book?

To make corrections, cross the line across the inaccurate information. Make sure the data and initials are correct. Print or update the correct information legibly. Mark the adjusted entry in your notary journal.

What to do with old notary stamps?

Different states have different rules for storing and disposing of old Notary seals and completed Notary journals. Always be sure to follow the rules of your state regarding old seals and journals. California requires Notaries to destroy or render their seal unusable when their commission permanently ends (GC 8207).

Are notaries obsolete?

Notarization has not changed substantially over the past several hundred years, no matter how we change the way we do business. The essentials have been outlined in “How to notarize a document in 5 steps.” Yet the modern world often presents Notaries with situations that can trip up even the most experienced Notary.

Who maintains notary public records?

If state notary laws require notaries public to maintain a notary record book for the execution of every notarial act, each notary public is responsible for maintaining his or her own notary record book. The notary record book is the exclusive property of the notary public.

Can you fold a notarized document?

You can do this by folding or flipping the pages, without removing the staple. When a certified document has been tampered with, the only remedy is to start the entire notarization, county and/or state certification process all over again.

Can you notarize a signature without the person present?

To notarize a document, the signers must be present at the time of notarization. While you can notarize an acknowledgment document that has been previously signed in some cases, the signer must still be present at the time of notarization to confirm the validity of their signature.

What happens if you do a notary wrong?

What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.

What type of notary makes the most money?

#1: Loan Signing Agent

One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent. ​Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.

Is it stressful to be a notary?

Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.

Is notary a side hustle?

Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig. Whether you're looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first. A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities.