A person must complete a state-approved school program and pass a test given by the Secretary of State in order to become a notary in California. Additionally, they must pass a background investigation and show evidence of a $15,000 surety bond. Once certified, a notary can administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments, and certify copies of documents, among other tasks.
The National Notary Association (NNA) is one group that offers information and training to notaries in California. The NNA is a nonprofit company that has been established since 1957 and provides notaries all around the nation with educational resources, networking opportunities, and other tools. It’s crucial to remember that the NNA does not have the power to regulate notaries because it is not a government organization. You can make your NNA profile public if you’re a notary public in California by going into your account on the NNA website and choosing the “Public Notary Locator” option. Potential customers will be able to use this to look up NNA-affiliated notaries in their neighborhood.
The NNA also provides signing agent certification as a service. A notary who focuses on managing loan documents and other financial transactions is known as a signing agent. To make sure that all paperwork are correctly executed and signed, signing agents are frequently employed by title companies and lenders. For signing agents, the NNA provides a certification program that includes instruction on best practices, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
In California, notaries are crucial in assuring the legitimacy and legality of official documents. Despite the fact that the National Notary Association offers notaries helpful tools and training, it’s crucial to keep in mind that they are not a government body and do not have regulatory authority. Make careful you comply with all state standards and stay informed of any changes to the law if you are a notary public in California.