Posted by Rowsy/CA on 10/23/12 1:40pm
Msg #439914

Notary Public vs Notario Publico

Hello All,

I realize this message may be singing to the choir. Nevertheless, when I read the thorough account (in the link below) of the difference between a Notary Public and a Notario Publico by an attorney who practices in both Mexico and the US I thought there might be others here who would like to know the full story. Until now, I never really understood the intensity with which we as US Notaries are directed not to ever advertise our services as Notarios Publico. Now I do.

http://www.peoplesguide.com/1pages/chapts/redtape/pikoff/notario-publico.html

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/23/12 2:11pm
Msg #439923

You mean other than that Secretary of State telling us specifically not to do it or risk losing our commission? The funny thing is, I still see people doing it --- even though it's clearly in our handbooks and often a question on the exam, too.

It's like, what part of "Illegal Advertising" do they not understand?

Reply by HisHughness on 10/23/12 2:33pm
Msg #439928

Notice, in the qualifcations for a Texas notary public ...

... does it state that the applicant has to be able to fog a mirror. And I hae met many who appeared to be dead from the neck up.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/23/12 3:37pm
Msg #439939

Great link! Thanks!

This can be a very difficult line to walk when dealing with non-English speakers because some people may not understand when we just say "notary", so we have to be careful. It's why I always explain to Spanish speakers that there's a big difference between Notaries here and in Mexico - or other Latin American countries - and specifically that I am NOT an "abogada" or "licenciada".