Posted by Jim/AL on 10/29/09 10:45am
Msg #309119

Do any States or Counties regulate the number of Notaries?

I ask the question because we had the first Notary conference ever in AL on 10-01-09 hosted by the SOS, her legal adviser, xyz, and some other speakers. After it broke up I spoke to one of the lawmaker insiders and he stated that "they are looking at limiting the number of notaries in the State".

Any other States or counties have limits? Can anyone explain why they would or should? This bothered me and I have yet to postulate a reason...they make $$$ off every commission so why limit the States income?

I felt it was "a day off" for the majority attending and that the information provided for ppl like me who were there to gain knowledge and get questions answered was very limiting and legally confusing, but that is besides the point.

Reply by Roger_OH on 10/29/09 11:30am
Msg #309129

I'm not aware of a state statute anywhere that limits the number of notaries for a particular state (counties would not be involved, since commissions are issued by the state).

We have 225,000 notaries here in Ohio, with 36,000 new/renewed commissions annually, so they're still cranking 'em out.

Reply by Cari on 10/29/09 11:40am
Msg #309138

what would be the reason? perhaps trying to cut down on

notary fraud...other than that...i'm a comin' up blank...

Reply by Jim/AL on 10/29/09 11:40am
Msg #309139

Commissions are issued by County in AL and reported to SOS n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 10/29/09 11:45am
Msg #309146

Re: Commissions are issued by County in AL and reported to SOS

So-o-o....AL gets bunch of new attorneys who can't get their new staff notary commission due to quotas? I can think of other scenerios too....How's that going to work? Like trying to become a Philosophy teacher - have to wait for someone to die? Rots of Ruck with that. Can you also say, let's shoot ourselves in the foot?

Reply by Roger_OH on 10/29/09 6:18pm
Msg #309210

Jim, help me with how that works...

Are you saying your notary commission certificate doesn't have your Governor's and/or SOS signature on it, but instead some county judge?

Reply by Jim/AL on 10/29/09 8:45pm
Msg #309231

Yes Roger, Judge of Probate for county. Certificate, not

really, I would call it a card. Does not even have a commission number at all, just a blank spot for one.

As I said, you just have to fog a mirror to be a notary. The last time I renewed, I just handed them the bond and they did not ask or check ID, they just filled out their part, notarized and handed it to me.

From AL SOS website:
Notaries in the State of Alabama are appointed and commissioned by the probate judges of the various counties. The probate judge reports to the Secretary of State the name, county, date of issuance and date of expiration of the commission of each notary appointed and commissioned under applicable law.

Please note that the Secretary of State does not appoint or commission notaries. However, the records filed with this office regarding the appointment and commissioning of notaries are a matter of public record and are available for review by the general public

Reply by BobbiCT on 10/29/09 11:51am
Msg #309153

Not US "common law" notaries, but "civil law" ...

Although U.S. states have not limited notary public commissions, it is common in other countries and Puerto Rico.

In short: the "civil law" system where notaries public appointments are limited by number and geographic location. This allows an appointed NP to earn a decent living; i.e., their fees are MUCH higher than ours. These NPs generally have much stricker appointment requirements, act similarly to our attorneys, etc.

I don't see the US doing this anytime soon; the States would lose too much in fee income.

Reply by PAW on 10/29/09 2:11pm
Msg #309175

Since a Notary Public is an appointed position, appointed by the Governor, then it's up to the Governor to impose any limit he/she feels necessary. There isn't any statute that I'm aware of, limiting the number of active commissions allowed, so if there is any limits put on it, it would strictly be at the discretion of the Governor.

To be perfectly honest, it appears that the appointment is a rubber stamp approval as long as someone can listen or read the required text (in a minimum of 3 hours), pay their fee and get their application signed and notarized.

The above comments are restricted to the Sunshine State.

Reply by Jim/AL on 10/29/09 5:11pm
Msg #309197

Sunshine State is strict in comparison, fog a mirror in AL. n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 10/29/09 4:35pm
Msg #309191

They may be looking to limit the no. because of all those who get into it to be NSA's. We know many of them do not know what they're doing. That would be in direct contrast to XYZ's position, wouldn't it????

Reply by Laura_V on 10/30/09 11:53am
Msg #309280

I think British Columbia does. Ask Sylvia. n/m

Reply by PAW on 10/30/09 12:32pm
Msg #309292

What's BC got to do with the question? And why ask Sylvia? n/m

Reply by Les_CO on 11/3/09 11:54am
Msg #309656

Re: What's BC got to do with the question? And why ask Sylvia?

I totally agree with Laura!
If you want answers with at least some degree of clarity, without the need of a Spirit Guide for interpretation. Ask Sylvia!