Posted by Shoshana/AZ on 11/11/09 8:00am
Msg #310633

AZ SOS Notary Education Class

I attended one yesterday as I do every year at this time. The instructor said something I had never heard before. If someone requests a copy of your commission certificate you should not give them one (with the exception of the company that makes your seal). The reason behind this is that anybody could use it to make a copy of your seal and use it for fraudulent purposes.
In AZ, we can print our notary listing off the internet or, alternatively, a certified copy can be ordered through the SOS for $18.

Reply by MW/VA on 11/11/09 9:07am
Msg #310649

That certainly makes sense. The truth of the matter is, however, that my name, commission #, and expiration date appear on everything I notarize.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 11/11/09 12:48pm
Msg #310683

That's true, but...

They need a copy ofyour commission certificate to perpetrate fraud. It's what they need to have a stamp made in your name.

Reply by John/CT on 11/11/09 3:25pm
Msg #310710

I never needed my commission certificate ...

to get my stamp or raised seal at the UPS Store or Staples. In the State of Connecticut, BTW, neither one of them are required for notarizing dox. Maybe that's the difference here vs. elsewhere?

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 11/11/09 3:59pm
Msg #310719

Re: I never needed my commission certificate ...

I know that CA & AZ require a commission certificate. In CA, you can only buy from approved vendors.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 11/11/09 6:56pm
Msg #310727

Re: I never needed my commission certificate ...

In CA, your commission certificate isn't sufficient. You have to have a Certificate of Authorization from the SOS office to order a stamp and you have to then surrender it to the party authorized to make the stamp. (They have to go through an approval process before they can make notary stamps and each notary is given a list of approved providers when they receive their commission.) Not only does the notary's commission number appear on the stamp, but the unique ID number for the maker of the stamp, as well.

I imagine no system is foolproof, but I think this process makes it pretty difficult. Lots more administrative cost involved from the state, but probably well worth it.

Reply by MW/VA on 11/11/09 7:49pm
Msg #310741

Re: That's true, but...

That applies to CA & AZ. I haven't had to supply it to every co. I have ordered from.