Posted by newnotary on 7/15/04 6:55pm
Msg #4487

what supplies does a CA notary neeed?

I am just starting out in this notary thing, i am awaiting my comission. and i was wondering what supplies does a California notary absolutely need and which are "nice to haves"? i cant seem to get a clear answer from anyone, hopefully this will help me out. thanks so much in advance!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 7/15/04 7:37pm
Msg #4490

If you mean just for regular notary work you will need

Your States Notary Handbook
Your seal
Your Notary Journal
Your States Notary Handbook
Pens
Notarial Certificates
Your State's Notary Handbook
A safe place to keep your seal under lock and key so only you have access to it
Your States Notary Handbook

If you are planning on more than regular notary work then you will need additional supplies

And don't forget our States Notary Handbook! That is one of the most important things to have - and study itwell

Reply by Carolyn in CA on 7/16/04 12:46am
Msg #4511

Add a thumbprint pad

Sylvia's list was excellent. She's the best. She's the Maestra of the Notary Boards. Allow me to add:

Get a thumbprint pad. CA requires a thumbprint for all notarizations involving real estate.

Pens: use gel or felt tip. Ball point can give a skipped image when faxed.

Get your journal from Notary Rotary. Look up and click on the Notary Supplies tab. The MoJo (Modern Journal) is the BEST in the industry. I've been through lots of journals over 9 years and this one is the best, hands down.

MEMORIZE your state's handbook. Know the regs COLD before going on your first signing. You will get documents from other states. Know what it takes to make them California compliant.

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 7/16/04 8:34am
Msg #4530

Re: Add a thumbprint pad

In response to Carolyn's post where she said, "Pens: use gel or felt tip. Ball point can give a skipped image when faxed."

I must arduously disagree with your recommendation. Gel pens and especially felt tip are often water based and will smear and run if the paper get damp or wet. Having been in the banking industry for over 10 years, we always have documents signed with ball-point pens for two reasons. One, the ink is more indelible and two, normal pressure leaves an indentation in the paper, which breaks the paper fibers and allows the ink to be better absorbed into the fibers of the paper.

I'm not sure what you meant by a "skipped image". I've never had any problems with faxing documents with ball-point pen writing on them. Just make sure the pen ink flows properly. I always supply my signers with a blue or black, medium point ball-point pen. My favorite is Papermate Flexgrip Ultras. (I buy them by the lot.)

Reply by redonthehead on 7/16/04 12:38pm
Msg #4537

Re: Add a thumbprint pad

I agree on the ball-point. I use the Papermate DynaGrip and the borrowers always want to keep them because they are such a great pen.