Posted by Julie/MI on 3/23/06 12:51pm
Msg #108078

Michigan notaries: Am I over-reacting?

I just went to the SOS website to download a notary application, and the great state had decided it's a good thing to list every notary, their commission expiration date, and the county of their commission. Now, ya'll know by now I'm not overly dramatic, but this really ruffled my feathers.

Anyone, anywhere globally, can now use MY commission to commit fraud. Especially since a stamp/embosser is not required. What were they thinking? We are issued an wallet card, why does this need to be on the web--how can it be helpful?

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/23/06 1:06pm
Msg #108082

I'm sorry that this is causing you so much angst. I believe that when you became a notary public you knew that you were a public officer. The information should be able to be verified by the public to make sure that they have confidence that they are dealing with a legitimate entity and for your employers to verify that you in fact are a comissioned notary. I am a real estate agent and an insurance broker and my licenses and personal information are listed on the respective sites as I believe that it should be.

Reply by Carol_in_MI on 3/23/06 2:07pm
Msg #108101

Full list or search results?

Julie, are you referring to the results of a notary search? It requires a last name to be entered, but I tried it with just one letter and it shows all the notaries whose last names start with that letter. It does not show the full commission date--only the month and year.

Reply by Julie/MI on 3/23/06 2:30pm
Msg #108108

Re: Full list or search results?

I realize the actual date is not there, but the fact the I get so many requests for those international (canada) stuff opens the door for fraud. Do you think the US Homeland security is going or Canada's version is going to know a Michigan notary's requirements?

I have no problem with someone verifying that I am a notary, but the information does not have to be on-line, when this can actually cause harm.

As you said, Carol, you can type in a last name, well mine is a very common last name, and it pulls up a bunch of other notaries.

The state provides my an identification card, in a lovely shade of dark blue, and a certification for an extra $10. If the person is that concerned, they can verify through the SOS via telephone or written correspondence.

In CA, you HAVE to have a stamp, here you don't so anyone can copy down and use the info.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/23/06 2:42pm
Msg #108115

Re: Full list or search results? Not arguing with you Julie

but if someone wants to create a notary stamp it is fairly easy. If someone is bent on causing fraud there is little that can stop them. Just think of it, if they can create counterfeit curency with all of the safeguards in place how difficult is it to counterfeit a stamp or a notary certificate? Crooks are incredibly creative and I figure the State, yours or mine, have much more expertise in fraud and counterfeit than I, so I just do what I'm supposed to do and I don't worry about the fallout. I understand that you may be uncomfortable with the information being available but have you ever run your name in a search engine and see what comes up: you'd be amazed!

Reply by BatmanWA on 3/23/06 3:27pm
Msg #108124

They don't call them con/scram artist for nothing

WA state do list every single person or entity holding a license on it's website.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 3/23/06 4:00pm
Msg #108141

Well ... the county doesn't hand over everything on a silver platter, Julie. For that, they (the Bad Guys) would have to look up any document we ever notarized that was recorded - public (good and bad guys) record. =)

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/24/06 10:53am
Msg #108338

Re: Has to do with apostille, maybe. . .

Ongoing conferences at The Hague, Netherlands, propose notary databases so any country anywhere (including the US) can verify a notary's commission online. I can't imagine that individual states are already lining up behind that idea, but it could serve that purpose.