Posted by Jesus/CA on 4/27/10 8:01am
Msg #333692

Being a new Notary Public is harder than expected...

I'm a new Notary Public and a relatively young one at that, being 19 years old, needless to say, I'm weary of making a mistake, such as improper use of my seal, forgetting to attach a certificate or a specific document, I was wondering, is there a way to correct such mistakes after the fact, but before any legal action is taken against you? Can I simply re-notarize a document the right way free of charge? I already have an E & O policy, but even so a I would rather not have to make use of it. Any tips for a noobie, whom is trying to perform the functions of a Notary Public, as best as possible, in order to better serve the general public?

Reply by Robert/FL on 4/27/10 8:03am
Msg #333693

You brought up your age ... the kiss of death on this board

Now all hell will break loose!

I am 20 myself and have faced a lot of discrimination in this field based solely on my age. Be prepared for that.

Notarize diligently and carefully - don't ever rush - and you should do fine. I always say that a proper notarization should not take less than 2 full minutes.

Reply by Jesus/CA on 4/27/10 8:29am
Msg #333702

Re: You brought up your age ... the kiss of death on this board

Thanks for the tips. If I may ask, when you first began your function as a Notary Public, how did you learn all your functions, though trial and error? through observation? I mean here in California all that is required is taking a 6 hour seminar and a state exam afterwards, but even those seminars don't cover every possible scenario, you know what I mean? and the Notary guide or rule book doesn't cover everything either. Trial and Error just seems to risky.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 4/27/10 6:02pm
Msg #333870

Trust me - it was based more on your attitude than your age n/m

Reply by dickb/wi on 4/27/10 8:13pm
Msg #333898

i don't think it was your age robert, it was your mouth..... n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 4/28/10 1:17pm
Msg #333972

Ur attitude, Robert, continues to be your kiss of death! n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/27/10 8:14am
Msg #333697

Jesus, with experience comes confidence

To avoid insecurity in how to perform your duties, know your Notary Public handbook cold - keep a copy on you at all times for reference - your handbook together with your SOS are your best reference points.

As far as specific procedure in CA perhaps some CA notaries will chime in - here in FL we cannot correct a certificate after the fact - we'd have to go back and have a new document signed (in the case of a jurat) or re-acknowledged by the signer (for acks).

Reply by Jesus/CA on 4/27/10 8:40am
Msg #333705

Re: Jesus, with experience comes confidence

Thanks for the help, I'll carry a Notary Public Handbook everywhere I go perform my duties and learn it stone cold. If I may ask, in Florida, what would you do to the document containing the faulty Jurat or Acknowledgement, if the Jurat or Acknowledgement, is printed on said document, would you destroy it? confiscate it? and then perform another Jurat or Acknowledgement on a new document? How do you change that in your Notarial journal? Sorry for all these question, I appreciate advice from more knowledgeable people.

Reply by PAW on 4/27/10 8:50am
Msg #333706

Re: Jesus, with experience comes confidence

In Florida, a notary is prohibited from altering the document once it has been signed. This includes "fixing" a faulty notary certificate. Therefore, a notary in Florida must complete a new and fresh notarization. If there's room on the document to 'redo' the certificate, then that is the preferred way. If there isn't enough room, a loose acknowledgment or jurat would need to be attached. In either case, the faulty certificate needs to be voided by drawing a single diagonal line through it, and do the same for the seal impression, initialing the cross outs.

As for the journal, Florida does not require that a journal be kept, but many notaries still do. Since a new notarization would be completed, and the information entered into the journal would still keep a sequential order. The original journal entry should be annotated to reflect that the notarization was voided and a new notarization completed.

There are many similarities between CA and FL notary laws. However, there are also many differences. Questioning specific notarial duties should always be taken in context with the statutes of the state in which the notarization took place.

Reply by Jesus/CA on 4/27/10 9:15am
Msg #333711

Re: Jesus, with experience comes confidence

I thank you for your insightful input, I asked because, as you pointed out, there are some definite similarities between California and Florida notary laws, but I will definitely take into account the statutes of my state. If I may ask, in Florida, is it possible to obtain certification to be a deputized Apostille, which is a Notary Public at an international level, for those countries that have signed the Hague Convention or is that a function solely reserved for the Secretary of State?

Reply by PAW on 4/27/10 10:09am
Msg #333725

Re: Jesus, with experience comes confidence

>>> in Florida, is it possible to obtain certification to be a deputized Apostille, which is a Notary Public at an international level, for those countries that have signed the Hague Convention or is that a function solely reserved for the Secretary of State? <<<

In Florida, only the Secretary of State has the authority to issue an Apostille or a Certification of Notarial Authority.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/27/10 9:03am
Msg #333708

Jesus: I look at your age this way...at 19 you will be able to assimilate and remember information much better than I, who is 2.5 times your age. I envy that. Couple that with careful hands on experience after trying to learn as much as you can and you'll be onto this in no time at all.

Already, you are ahead of the game by far because you came to this forum with a concern of learning to do your job well and having an open, thoughtful approach. You tapped into one of the best knowledge bases available.

I think you will find that most of us crusty ol' curmudgeons to be quite embracing of any notary (regardless of age) who is open to learning and sharing helpful information. Obviously, this is how you are.

Age has never been a discriminating factor on this board.

One tip: Read Marian/CA's posts...and some of the other CA notaries who are frequent contributors to learn examples of a notary's day to day situations and how to manage them.

Reply by Notarysigner on 4/27/10 9:17am
Msg #333713

Welcome Jesus... age has never been a discriminating factor on this board (I'm relatively new at this and on the other end of the age spectrum). Never be afraid to ask, read all the post you can and shortly you will be able to figure out who knows what. Rely mainly on your handbook and try hard to answer your own questions (research). Even if we give you the answer, find out where to get the answer. We all make mistakes so if you learn to do it correctly the first time, you'll minimize your errors. Take your time and get it right. IMO

Reply by Jesus/CA on 4/27/10 9:38am
Msg #333718

Thank you for the welcome and advice I will definitely study my handbook even further. May I ask, given that your from California, are you familiar with an Apostille? you know notarization at an international level for those countries that have signed the Hague Convention. Is it possible to be commissioned as an Apostille Notary or is that solely reserved for the Secretary of State? Again thank you.

Reply by Notarysigner on 4/27/10 9:43am
Msg #333721

Re: pls see PM... n/m

Reply by Robert/FL on 4/27/10 10:46am
Msg #333730

There is no such thing as an "Apostille Notary"

unless you are talking about a U.S. consul or one of the Florida or Alabama "international/civil-law notaries". To my knowledge California has no such thing.

Reply by Jesus/CA on 4/27/10 9:31am
Msg #333716

I thank you for your kind words and helpful tips. I may be young, but with youth comes ignorance and recklessness, that is why I seek all of your considerable expertise and experience, some things get better with age, namely wisdom and judgement. If I may ask, being that you are from Texas, is it possible to get certification as an Apostille, which is basically, Notarization at an international level for those countries who have signed the Hague Convention or is that solely reserved for the Secretary of State? Again thank you.

Reply by Robert/FL on 4/27/10 10:48am
Msg #333731

Jesus - don't let yourself believe that just because you are

young means that you are ignorant or reckless. I became a notary at 18, and despite being trained by notaries who didn't really know what they were doing, I did my own self-studying and learn my laws thoroughly. I may ruffle a few feathers on this board but no one can deny that I know my laws and stick to them.

As for getting involved in the signing agent profession, I think most here would agree that it is not a profitable business for newcomers and that even experienced signing agents are having trouble making ends meet. In other words, don't quit your day job.

Reply by Notarysigner on 4/27/10 10:55am
Msg #333734

"despite being trained by notaries who didn't really know

.....what they were doing" ..Boy, I guess that says a lot about Fl (440,000) notaries huh. I think that comment in inappropriate on this board.

Reply by Robert/FL on 4/27/10 10:56am
Msg #333735

Not inappropriate at all

Many of Florida's notaries don't know what they are doing and the ones who trained me in my office certainly didn't.

Reply by jba/fl on 4/27/10 11:56am
Msg #333752

It is a fact of life

Many notaries in FL get their commissions through work. Boss pays for it so that the company will have notary in-house. They show up on first day of work, get bunches of paperwork shoved under their pens, they apply and off they go. This happens in ALL states, not just FL.

Does that mean they are incompetent or lacking knowledge? Perhaps, but even if training were to be stepped up several hours, with a comprehensive test, and stiffened requirements to become a notary, there would still be many passing and then not retaining. After all, if one is in a legal office, for example, one does what the office requires in order to get through the day and to have another day to return.

Does that make it right? Wrong? Indifferent? If I am the 'poor notary deluged with much at once' then I have to choose my priorities. It appears the job may have to be first and all the rest of the learning curve could be sacrificed.

Reply by desktopfull on 4/27/10 11:35am
Msg #333747

Re: "despite being trained by notaries who didn't really know

James, you didn't know that the only notary in Florida that knows anything about notarizing is Robert, shame on you. I just don't know how the Florida notaries got by before Robert joined Notrot.

Reply by Robert/FL on 4/27/10 11:36am
Msg #333748

Sorry, but...

the notaries that "trained me" did not ID, notarized without signers present, and never administered an oath.

So know, they didn't know what they were doing.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/27/10 9:15am
Msg #333712

Jesus
Because you are wary (I assume you meant wary and not weary) of making a mistake you will probably be more careful
I am assuming you are talking about general notary work - need to get totally familiar with notarizations before taking on the signing agent work. Most documents already have the notary certificate on them, just make sure they comply with California notary law (they changed wording fairly recently I believe and not all certificates are compliant, which means attaching a new one)

And, being 19 years old is not "the kiss of death" on this or any other board - unless you come on here in an arrogant, know it all manner, which you obviously didn't do, or try to change the board to something you want it to be.

There are a lot of experienced California notaries on this forum - Joan Malone, Marion/CA, Charles, to just name three. They will all be willing to answer questions on here regarding your California notary laws.
Your willingness to learn from the professionals on here is a real good start - and although I am in Florida, you can click on my profile and call me any time (remembering I am on East coast time)

Your handbook is the "bible" for you

Reply by Jesus/CA on 4/27/10 9:49am
Msg #333722

Thank you for your advice, as a new Notary Public, most, if not all of the documents I have notarized, have been pretty much straightforward, Acknowledgements and such, which I have done with the out most care. I have not done any Signing Agent work, though I know what it consists of and am very eager to partake of, would you recommend that I take a course or seminar on the subject before taking a shot as a Signing Agent? you know become a certified Signing Agent?

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/27/10 10:11am
Msg #333726

Jesus
I just sent you a PM, check your message box

Reply by rengel/CA on 4/27/10 12:14pm
Msg #333759

Jesus re: Apostille

In the State of California you cannot become a commissioned Apostille. But.... you can, as a notary public, facilitate the process. I would recommend getting much more experience as a notary public first - before attempting any apostiles due to the fact that if you make a mistake on a notarization for an apostile, it can cost your customer a lot of time and even more money to correct the mistake.

If you want more info on facilitating and apostile, feel free to PM me.

And, welcome to the board!
Rhonda

Reply by Robert/FL on 4/27/10 10:58am
Msg #333736

"Not by age but by capacity is wisdom acquired" n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 4/27/10 11:21am
Msg #333743

Welcome, Jesus. IMO the humility & willingness to learn you

are sharing will mean you will do fine as a Notary Public. You indicate that you take the
responsibilities seriously & want to do it correctly.
There are many seasoned pros on this board that will be there to support you & answer specific questions you have about the CA laws.
It is a pleasure to have you with us.
Contrary to what was said in this thread, age discrimination has never been a factor here, only immaturity & insolence.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 4/27/10 1:32pm
Msg #333763

Welcome Jesus...

Age can be a factor, but not always. I wouldn't worry about that part.

You're doing the right thing by coming here and asking. Do your research for sure, and never be afraid to ask questions, no matter how seemingly dumb they may sound. Of course, you may be reminded (an often) that what you're asking is basic. You'll be told to study more. Don't take offense to it... this is how you will learn.

As for the apostille process? It's really a very simple concept... just complicated at times to explain. Notaries do not issue apostilles, nor are they responsible for obtaining them. Some notaries offer to obtain them as part of a package of services... but it isn't required, and it's really only best suited to those notaries in certain areas. Los Angeles and San Diego, for example, are areas where many notaries offer the process. An apostille is a daisy chain of signature authentications. Only the Secretary of State can issue an apostille.

And yes... being a *good* notary is much more difficult than most people realize. The actions themselves are fairly simple, but what people don't realize is the level of responsibility and liability involved. IMO, the 6-hour training is not very adequate. Sure, it covers the basics.... but there's a level of complexity and comprehension that can't be taught in 6 hours.

Reply by Julie/MI on 4/27/10 2:33pm
Msg #333767

I too was a young notary

I have executed more acknowledgements and jurats than I can fathom.

No internet, no handbook, no classes, no nothing and all is well many many years later.

Relax!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/27/10 2:38pm
Msg #333768

Re: I too was a young notary

Julie
You still are a young notary

Reply by Julie/MI on 4/27/10 4:19pm
Msg #333803

Re: I too was a young notary

Sylvia

You are ray of sunshine! Thanks, for making my day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply by 101livescan on 4/27/10 5:37pm
Msg #333850

I became a notary for the City of Oxnard City Clerk's office when I was 18. In those days, all you did was pass a test orally and take the oath. I was not fingerprinted. I learned all the municipal and state regulations for performing notary work for the City, County of Ventura and the State of California I am probably one of the few on this board who notarized sepia subdivision maps in Indian ink, and did not affix my notary seal to this sepia as it is not required. Being polite, executing your notary duties diligently and as prescribed by the Secretary of State of any state, and never compromising your oath, commission or integrity is the the name of the game, age has nothing to do with it....conversely, I'm 63 this year and I plan to be a notary somewhere until they put me in an urn. GOOD LUCK JESUS.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 4/28/10 1:14pm
Msg #333971

hey jesus, first DON'T listen to Robert/Fl because he is

jeolous because he is STILL the 'baby' on this forum...

2nd, you might want to pick up a book on notary signing agent duties from Notary Rotary so you won't make any mistakes on a signing, because your right, once you screw up, after the fact, there's no making it right, or guarantee you'll get paid!

3rd, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT take fees less than $100. You will thank me later.

Lastly, use the orange SEARCH button on this site, its THE BIBLE for nsa's...

Good luck and keep a positive attitude!