There is a new January 2012 newsletter from the California Secretary of State:
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/forms/notary-newsletter-2012.pdf.
The newsletter details changes to the law, and I urge all California Notaries to read it. It also contains helpful reminders to file any changes to your name or address, and even provides links to forms that can be filled in online (but must still be printed and mailed in via certified mail). The newsletter also reminds us to keep accurate journals and clarifies good notarial practices.
I love when the SOS issues communications to us. I just wish they maintained an email database and sent email notification on the rare occasion when a newsletter is released.
Showing posts with label Traveling Notary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling Notary. Show all posts
Friday, January 27, 2012
Monday, April 12, 2010
Are you a Notary who uses ditto marks in your journal?
Most, if not all, Notaries I know use ditto marks in their journals to carry down duplicative information; i.e. if you have several signings at the same location, just put ditto marks under the first entry for each additional line, right? Same for signatures. Just draw a diagonal line from the top entry line to the bottom, and have the client sign once. Sounds reasonable and saves a lot of time.
But what happens if someone orders a copy of a specific line item? How do they fill in the blanks where the ditto marks appear?
They can't.
I recently spoke with a representative of the National Notary Association (http://www.nationalnotary.org) Hot Line. It turns out that the time-honored practice of using ditto marks is out, by order of the Secretary of State. I called and verified this, although the policy change doesn't seem to be in writing (?). The SOS agent was very clear: the Notary must record all required information on each line, along with a separate signature. No more cutting corners time-wise.
I'm glad that this subject came up in my conversation with the Hot Line, but it is not mentioned on the NNA web site under California news. It would be nice to have a "heads up" regarding policy changes when they become aware of them. My esp is not that fine-tuned.
But what happens if someone orders a copy of a specific line item? How do they fill in the blanks where the ditto marks appear?
They can't.
I recently spoke with a representative of the National Notary Association (http://www.nationalnotary.org) Hot Line. It turns out that the time-honored practice of using ditto marks is out, by order of the Secretary of State. I called and verified this, although the policy change doesn't seem to be in writing (?). The SOS agent was very clear: the Notary must record all required information on each line, along with a separate signature. No more cutting corners time-wise.
I'm glad that this subject came up in my conversation with the Hot Line, but it is not mentioned on the NNA web site under California news. It would be nice to have a "heads up" regarding policy changes when they become aware of them. My esp is not that fine-tuned.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
...And now the tie-in
As a Notary, I am very aware of the many scams floating around. I have read way too many stories about cons and identity fraud. It can be easy to become cynical and distrusting.
Yesterday's extraordinary experience showed me that there are still many good people who still trust others and are trustworthy. Although each party exercised caution and safety measures, we were able to drop the shields of distrust and cynicism and come together to solve a problem.
As one who makes an effort to help others when I can, I have to say that it was heartwarming beyond belief to be the recipient of such good will.
So... yesterday's lesson: Stay vigilant, but don't loose your compassion and humanity. We can make our world a better place.
Yesterday's extraordinary experience showed me that there are still many good people who still trust others and are trustworthy. Although each party exercised caution and safety measures, we were able to drop the shields of distrust and cynicism and come together to solve a problem.
As one who makes an effort to help others when I can, I have to say that it was heartwarming beyond belief to be the recipient of such good will.
So... yesterday's lesson: Stay vigilant, but don't loose your compassion and humanity. We can make our world a better place.
Dazed and confused
Notary news will take a back seat for the time being. Too many things happening too fast. For now, I want to thank some people who made a trememdous difference yesterday.
Yesterday was yard sale day, one of the hottest days of the entire year. We were off to a bad start - couldn't find our yard sale signs, stayed up until midnight making new ones. At 7 AM we ran around to put them up, pulled into McDonalds for some much needed iced tea and locked our keys in the car. What? I left my purse (with my AAA card inside) home? And no cell phone??? We were missing our own garage sale.
A very sweet gentleman in McDonalds noticed our distress and offered the use of his cell phone. But we needed AAA's emergency roadside assistance number. Did the manager have a phone book? No, but incredibly, he pulled out his PERSONAL AAA card and said, "Here, use mine."
We call for help. No I don't know my membership number. No, I don't have my card with me. No, I don't have any picture ID with me. She was great. She asked me questions about my account until she was comfortable enough to send help. We were on our way in ten minutes.
The yard sale? We didn't make much money, but we met some lovely people, and many of our things will be put to new use. Better than gathering dust in our home, and now our house feels a little lighter.
Thank you, Niecy Nash for your inspiration!
Yesterday was yard sale day, one of the hottest days of the entire year. We were off to a bad start - couldn't find our yard sale signs, stayed up until midnight making new ones. At 7 AM we ran around to put them up, pulled into McDonalds for some much needed iced tea and locked our keys in the car. What? I left my purse (with my AAA card inside) home? And no cell phone??? We were missing our own garage sale.
A very sweet gentleman in McDonalds noticed our distress and offered the use of his cell phone. But we needed AAA's emergency roadside assistance number. Did the manager have a phone book? No, but incredibly, he pulled out his PERSONAL AAA card and said, "Here, use mine."
We call for help. No I don't know my membership number. No, I don't have my card with me. No, I don't have any picture ID with me. She was great. She asked me questions about my account until she was comfortable enough to send help. We were on our way in ten minutes.
The yard sale? We didn't make much money, but we met some lovely people, and many of our things will be put to new use. Better than gathering dust in our home, and now our house feels a little lighter.
Thank you, Niecy Nash for your inspiration!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Welcome to my blog!
This an historic day for me - my first blog entry!
I will try to keep the conversation interesting and relevant with summaries of real-life stories. Got any questions about notarization? I can't imagine too many of you are sitting around contemplating it, but hey, if there's something you want to know, send me a line.
I will try to keep the conversation interesting and relevant with summaries of real-life stories. Got any questions about notarization? I can't imagine too many of you are sitting around contemplating it, but hey, if there's something you want to know, send me a line.
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