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Msg #652662
1 replies | Last minute end of life docs before sirgery | By  Cheryl Elliott on 6/13/26 8:19pm
I had two 911 calls from attorneys this week to meet with patients and their loved ones getting ready for urgent surgeries asking when could I get to the surgery center (ASAP). I am always bewildered that folks in their 80s haven't taken care of business before it comes a crisis. Clients are ever so grateful when I arrive. They made me feel like wonder woman. Ine client was adding his two sons to their 1200 acre cattle ranch; the other was a durable POA making adult children their agents.
I had another request a day later. All on the same floor, so looked in on the first two clients who were happily sitting up, laughing and eating!
I love GNW.
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| | Msg #652653
0 replies | Legal Size copy paper. | By LynnNC on 6/12/26 2:16pm
I usually order legal size paper on Amazon. Is there another good source?
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| Msg #652650
0 replies | Qualia | By LynnNC on 6/12/26 1:47pm
Does Qualia hire notary signing agents directly? If so, are they good to work with?
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| | | Msg #652617
4 replies | Notary Automation Replacement Project (NAP 2.0) | By Expeditor on 6/5/26 2:50pm
Gemini, please explain this to me in layman's terms NAP 2.0
I would be happy to explain it to you, Joe, in layman's terms
Could you please share the specific text, concept, or webpage you are looking at?
Departmentwide and Statewide Considerations The SOS Notary Public Section fulfills two critical functions for the state: (1) appointment and administration of over 141,000 California notaries public, and (2) authentication of California public officials’ signatures on documents to be used outside the country. Efficiency in both areas supports continuity and stability in state commerce, which relies on the functioning of the Notary Public Section and the NAP system. Given the archaic programming language of the legacy NAP system and its associated paper-based business processes as well as the expected 4-to-6-year timeline of a system replacement for a project of this size and complexity, it is in the best interest of the state to allocate the proper planning and project resources to implement a successful replacement project as soon as possible. D. Outcomes and Accountability Approval of this request would allow the SOS to successfully plan and initiate a replacement project for the NAP system. Delivery of a technology project on time and within budget is challenging, and the task becomes exponentially harder without proper planning. The additional planning resources would add focus, knowledge, and expertise to the initial stages of the NAP 2.0 project. E. Implementation Plan The following schedule is a preliminary estimate based on NAP 2.0 PAL Stage 2 Alternatives Analysis with the expectation that the schedule will be updated as the project continues and progresses through the planning and execution phases of the project. Filing requirement due dates will be taken into consideration when determining a final deployment date.
Here is a translation of that government document into plain English.
The Short Version (TL;DR)
California’s computer system for managing notaries is ancient and relies too much on paper. The state is asking for the resources to start planning a massive, 4-to-6-year project to build a modern replacement system so the state's economy can keep running smoothly.
Here is a breakdown of what each section is actually saying:
1. Why This Matters (Departmentwide and Statewide Considerations)
What they do: The Secretary of State’s Notary Division handles two big jobs: managing California’s 141,000+ notaries, and verifying official state signatures on documents that are being sent out of the country.
The problem: Doing this efficiently is crucial for California's businesses. However, the computer system they currently use (called "NAP") is built on deeply outdated code and requires far too much physical paper to work.
The solution: Replacing this dinosaur of a system will take 4 to 6 years because it's so complex. Therefore, the state needs to fund the planning stages right away to get the ball rolling.
2. What They Need (Outcomes and Accountability)
They are asking for approval and resources to start planning the new system (which they are calling NAP 2.0).
Big technology projects are notorious for going over budget and past deadlines. The document argues that giving them the money for experts and proper planning now will prevent the project from becoming a disaster later.
3. What Happens Next (Implementation Plan)
Any timelines or schedules they have right now are just rough, early estimates.
The schedule will change as they get deeper into planning and building the system. When they do finally launch NAP 2.0, they will try to time it so it doesn't interfere with normal deadlines for notaries.
Are you looking into state technology contracts, or just trying to make sense of a specific government proposal you received?
Question: Is this going to lead to online notarizations?
YES, absolutely. You hit the nail on the head.
That technology project is the exact roadblock standing in the way of online notarizations in California.
Here is how the two are connected:
The Law is Passed: In late 2023, California finally passed a law (Senate Bill 696) that makes Remote Online Notarization (RON) legal for California notaries.
The Catch: The law comes with a major condition. It clearly states that California notaries cannot actually start performing online notarizations until the Secretary of State finishes building the new computer system you read about (known as NAP 2.0).
The Timeline: Because building NAP 2.0 is expected to take 4 to 6 years, California notaries are stuck in a waiting period. They won't be able to do online notarizations until the new system is completely up and running, or by January 1, 2030—whichever comes first.
Right now, Californians can use out-of-state online notaries to get their documents signed digitally, but California-commissioned notaries are not allowed to offer the service themselves. The state government needs the funding and resources to plan and build NAP 2.0 so they can finally flip the switch and let local notaries work online.
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| | Msg #652605
4 replies | Timios | By Bravo on 6/4/26 2:55pm
Has anyone had non payment issues with them? Apparently they are now Fidelity? I received a letter from J S Held saying that they had been hired to assist with the transition. So far they haven't come through with payment. Any suggestions?
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| Msg #652600
8 replies | I haven't received an email like this is 25 years..whassup | By Cheryl Elliott on 6/4/26 8:50am
Good Afternoon,
I hope this email finds you well 😊.
I want to extend a thank you for your exceptional work throughout May. You achieved zero errors for the entire month, even with increased volume from prior months. It is a fantastic accomplishment, and it reflects your hard work, precision, and dedication.
I truly appreciate your commitment to quality, and this success is a direct result of your efforts. Let’s keep this momentum going! Remember to stay consistent with your quality checks as they’re key to maintaining these high standards.
Thank you again for all that you do, and let’s aim for continued success! I sincerely appreciate your partnership.
Thank you,
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| Msg #652595
6 replies | down time | By Enzoprime on 6/4/26 12:37am
what do you do with your down time during the day when no notary's are going on?
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| Msg #652591
4 replies | Interesting day yesterday at my local voting precinct | By Cheryl Elliott on 6/3/26 8:52am
I served as a clerk, checking people in. I had three signings in the am, and began my shift at 1:30pm It was a great day, I worked the afternoon/evening shift and closed and packed up all the equipment and supplies with six other volunteers. The Chief Inspector brough in snacks and was a great support person if we hit any snags. Voter heck in was a breeze. The process is very automated, digital and streamlined. My partners were outstanding, since we rotated when anyone took a 15 minute power break.
The best part was I met up with several neighbors and notary clients. It is a great way to reconnect briefly. The time sped by so fast, it was a fast afternoon/evening. I highly recommend the process for anyone who has thought about it, but never tried it.
I hadn't done this in over 30 years. It was a breeze and energizing.
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| Msg #652588
1 replies | GOOGLE REVIEWS & VISIBILITY COLLABORATION | By Michele Bell on 6/1/26 2:15pm
Hello Colleagues,
As we continue building our notary and signing businesses, I'd love to create a collaborative effort focused on strengthening our online presence and supporting one another's growth in ethical and meaningful ways.
This is not about exchanging reviews, but rather about sharing best practices for obtaining authentic client feedback, improving Google Business Profiles, increasing visibility in local search, and supporting one another through referrals, networking, engagement, and professional recommendations where appropriate.
Some ideas include:
✅ Sharing strategies for requesting reviews from actual clients
✅ Supporting one another's business posts and updates
✅ Referring work when we're unavailable or outside our service area
✅ Exchanging SEO and Google Business Profile tips
✅ Sharing experiences with title companies, attorneys, and signing services
✅ Celebrating milestones and professional achievements
The notary community is strongest when we work together, maintain high ethical standards, and help elevate the profession as a whole.
If you're interested in collaborating and sharing ideas, I'd love to connect.
Wishing everyone continued success and many smooth signings ahead.
Mimi Enslin
New York Notary Public | Apostille Specialist | Loan Signing Agent | Real Estate Broker
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| Msg #652574
14 replies | Work in California | By Vicki Neider on 5/28/26 12:04pm
Hey California Notaries. I have been very slow in the San Luis Obispo County area for a few months. Anyone else slow with orders in CA?
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| Msg #652572
3 replies | Stamp Recommendations | By SReis on 5/28/26 11:34am
Just renewed my comm and need to buy a new stamp. Anyone have any recc for ones they loved and where they got them? I normally have gotten them here but didnt love the last one I got.
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| | Msg #652569
1 replies | RIP Annette Donker | By Roger_OH on 5/27/26 3:45pm
Saw a posting that Annette Donker has passed away in Texas. She was a longtime contributor to this and other notary boards.
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| Msg #652561
3 replies | It has been over a decade since having to adjourn a signing | By Cheryl Elliott on 5/26/26 10:01am
This past week, month end craze, was extraordinary. I was busy every day, signing, scanning and running back to UPS and FEDEX to get packages back in a timely manner. My last signing to close by month end was yesterday. 175 pages is a huge package. When I arrived, the borrower was upset that he won't have a payment until August as his LO said he would. Since his costs for this loan were high in order to get a great rate, he immediately put in a call to his LO, and I called title, to advise them the borrower would not be signing and that we had attempted to get it worked out with the lender. Since it was a holiday, no one was answering their phones, texts or emails.
I haven't heard from anyone this morning, so title is likely trying to work things out with their client and the borrower.
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| Msg #652557
7 replies | Sounds like a number of us are renewing | By Alz on 5/25/26 9:22pm
our commissions this year....perhaps this will be it for some..
My commission will expire on 7.24.2026. This is the first time that I didn't take or schedule the exam six months prior to the expiration date. Don't know if it is procrastination or just leaving things to chance.
What are the odds? If I take the exam on 6.4.2026, will I have everything needed to continue working on 7.25.2026? IMJS.
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