Posted by BrendaTx on 3/9/13 9:37am
Msg #460212

Help request: Required Notary Education & Costs /all states

Thanks for reading this. If passed, (83rd Session) TX SB 1037 is going to require Texans to complete certain educational requirements.

I am sizing is up and drafting a letter of concern to my lawmakers with facts on impact on Texans, and suggestions that will make it work for Texas.

I am **FOR** notary education. But, the bill, as it stands, will almost certainly negatively impact the finances of the state, notaries, and those who employ notaries. It needs to be amended or other things need to change to make this workable. This needs to slow down and get input from those who will be impacted by it: Notaries...not just lobbyists from those who can provide those expensive courses!

I have done several searches, but find it's hard to get all the facts at the speed of light...and, that is what I need.

IF your state has educational requirements, please cut/paste and add your answers to the following in your post. PMs welcomed, but this kind of info is of benefit to readers now and in the future.

=======================================
My state is:__

Type of course required (i.e., online, live class) is ___

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is ___
Cost for NEW notaries is ___

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is ___

Cost for RENEWING notaries is ___

Test required? Yes or No

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $___

If you know, what year did this take effect? ___

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ftp://ftp.legis.state.tx.us/bills/83R/billtext/html/senate_bills/SB01000_SB01099/SB01037I.htm

Reply by MW/VA on 3/9/13 10:32am
Msg #460220

I saw this & wondered if it's the NNA at work again. n/m

Reply by 101livescan on 3/9/13 10:39am
Msg #460227

Re: I saw this & wondered if it's the NNA at work again.

Good point, Marilynn. The next Annual Conference will probably be in Texas! Since it is now considered a boom state. Governor Perry has been here twice recruiting industries to relocated to Texas from California for tax incentives and lower housing costs, jobs, etc. Their state budget is in the black!

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/9/13 11:41am
Msg #460240

It is in Austin this June. n/m

Reply by Lee/AR on 3/9/13 11:41am
Msg #460241

My state is:AR

Type of course required (i.e., online, live class) is None

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is None, but they do have free seminars annually.

Cost for NEW notaries is $20 Appl. Fee + whatever you want to spend on a Bond and Stamp & other things--some essential, some just desired. Varies by Vendor from maybe $30 to $225

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is None

Cost for RENEWING notaries is Same as a new notary.

Test required? No

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $5

If you know, what year did this take effect? Don't know.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/9/13 11:55am
Msg #460248

Thanks. :) n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 3/9/13 11:58am
Msg #460249

My state is:_VA_

Type of course required (i.e., online, live class) is _None__

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is ___n/a
Cost for NEW notaries is ___

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is _n/a__

Cost for RENEWING notaries is _$40__

Test required? Yes or No No

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $__5_

If you know, what year did this take effect? _not sure__

Reply by Linda Hubbell on 3/9/13 12:09pm
Msg #460252

My state is: FL

Type of course required (i.e., online, live class): Can be done online; scant live instructors throughout the state.

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is 3 hours

Cost for NEW notaries is $39 application fee to state plus fee for bond and stamp - total usually $70-$100. Varies by Vendor

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is None

Cost for RENEWING notaries is Same as a new notary.

Test required? No

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $10

If you know, what year did this take effect? Don't know.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/9/13 2:16pm
Msg #460274

Revision to Florida

Test required? Not required but there are review questions at the end of each section of training.

Testing instituted effective 7/1/2000

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/9/13 8:32pm
Msg #460335

ty, linda! n/m

Reply by Notarysigner on 3/9/13 12:26pm
Msg #460254

My state is: Ca

Type of course required (i.e., online, live class) is Both,...but really no Standards just the instructors interpretation of the Handbook. IMO

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is Six
Cost for NEW notaries is Depends on vendor last time I checked over 300....ave. cost about $400.00

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is ___ 3 to six depending on Vendor

Cost for RENEWING notaries is ___ Varies widely $100 up

Test required? Yes

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $10.00

If you know, what year did this take effect? ___Don't know but no change since I've been a notary

Reply by JanetK_CA on 3/9/13 10:23pm
Msg #460356

"ut really no Standards just the instructors interpretation of the Handbook. IMO"

I believe that all instructors - and courses - have to be pre-approved by the state for their classes to be accepted as qualifying a person to have met the educational requirements. They issue a training certificate that has to be presented along with a photo and ID when a person takes the notary exam.

Reply by Notarysigner on 3/10/13 9:05am
Msg #460367

THAT is for eveything being taught in Ca not just notary classes...even after that there is a big difference in what is actually being taught......try xyz for example

Reply by Julie/MI on 3/9/13 1:23pm
Msg #460263

My state is: Michigan

Type of course required (i.e., online, live class) is None

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is None
Cost for NEW notaries is None

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is None, in Michigan a notary does not "renew" they just fill out the same application and bond and filing fees.

Cost for RENEWING notaries is name as new: $50 bond, $10 state $10 county

Test required? Yes or No NO!!!! How hard is it to look an id card and match the signature?

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $___ $10

If you know, what year did this take effect? ___2003

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/9/13 1:39pm
Msg #460266

I appreciate your input!!!! n/m

Reply by OR on 3/9/13 2:11pm
Msg #460271

Re: I appreciate your input!!!!

In Oregon Type of course required is a Live class---There is a test you have to pass pass by 75%

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is---3 hours
Cost for NEW notaries is ---$free

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is---$free

Cost for RENEWING notaries is $free
But you have to have a State business license that is $50.00

Test required?--- Yes

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $10

If you know, what year did this take effect? I look and the state notary book did not say.

Reply by sigtogo/OR on 3/9/13 2:27pm
Msg #460275

my OR commission $40 renewal, $50 ABN but I don't believe

one is required to have an ABN. My course was online.

Reply by OR on 3/10/13 10:24am
Msg #460370

Re: my OR commission $40 renewal, $50 ABN but I don't believe

Thank you for the correction. I did check in my accounting books and did not see a fee for that when I renued my commision. I asssumed it was free. I had to find it in the notary book. I think we are required to assume a business name. But I could be wrong again. I will call and ask next week.

Thank you again. Have a great weekend. Off to church.

JoAnn

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 3/9/13 3:34pm
Msg #460295

Re: Help request: Required Notary Education & Costs /CA

=======================================
My state is: CALIFORNIA

Type of course required (i.e., online, live class) is: LIVE OR ONLINE

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is: SIX HOURS

Cost for NEW notaries FOR CLASS: VARIES (FREE W/ NOTARYROTARYMEMBERSHIP) class only $25 to $100 thru various approved venues/websites.

With all other CA notary requirements costs vary from $200- $250 or more (see below)***

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is THREE HOURS

Cost for RENEWING notaries FOR CLASS: VARIES, SAME AS ABOVE FOR NEW NOTARIES

Test required? YES, LIVE IN PERSON, NOT ONLINE.

$40 COST OF TEST IS EITHER INCLUDED WITH A LIVE CLASS IN A PACKAGE, OR PURCHASED SEPERATELY- $40 FOR TEST ONLY.

FOR EXAMPLE: Through West Valley College, ( LOCAL Community College) viewed today,
for $189.00 they offer a package which includes all of the requirements for CA notary public, which includes everything: 3 or 6 hour course, Notary exam, Live-Scan (background check and fingerprinting), 4 year Bond*, passport photo, notary journal, notary seal and ink-less thumbprint pad. (*does not include fee to file bond).

I purchase all my stuff seperately, and spent about $215 for test/class/supplies/bond and filing of bond. Class was free for me here on NR. (my costs given were current for later part of of 2012)

*You must file your bond/and Oath of Office in your county of business. This varies from county to county. In Santa Clara county it is $63.00 for one page, if bond is more than 1 page add $3 per page.

*** If you really plan to be in business for yourself, (not just a NP at your employers request), you should have E&O insurance (and or a personal liabililty policy).
I paid $174.95 for a 100K 4 year E&O policy. Catch was I had to order my bond from same company, and they charge a little more for the bond than some others do. ( I paid $59.95 for 4yr 15K bond) .
Another cost here in CA, many cities require you to pay a local city (annual tax) business license fee. In my city it is $150 per year.

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $10.00 PER SIGNATURE
(SO TWO SIGNERS ON ONE ACK CERT IS $20

If you know, what year did this take effect? DON'T RECALL



=======================================

Reply by Jack/AL on 3/9/13 5:35pm
Msg #460311

Re: Help request: Required Notary Education & Costs /CA

In Alabama, I believe I paid $10 to renew at the courthouse, paid $50 for E&O insurnace, and had the pass the "fog a mirror" test (joking about that test). That's all, unfortunatley. I don't even have to know how to spell notary Republic, notary PUBIC, or have any training or education related to the duties and procedures. I'm for big changes!

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/9/13 6:23pm
Msg #460313

Jack - be careful what you ask for. n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 3/9/13 10:29pm
Msg #460358

Re: Help request: Required Notary Education & Costs /CA

Education requirements went into effect July 1, 2005. (Just happened to have an old SOS Handbook on my shelf from that year.)

Reply by MikeC/TX on 3/9/13 8:09pm
Msg #460330

Given the bizarre legislative process here - they meet once every two years for less than 6 months - what makes you think this bill will even be considered?

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/9/13 8:32pm
Msg #460334

I think it will be considered

because it "sounds" like goodwill stuff...it sounds harmless.

And, it sounds like it is good for all citizens in Texas. But, as written, it will suck between $10 and $20 million bucks right out of the pockets of Texans.

It is not the right bill. I am not 100% against a notary education bill, but I am definitely not for this one.

It is to take effect IMMEDIATELY or by 9/1/13. A bill that would be appropriate would not take effect for at least a year so that TEXAS companies and local governments could figure out how to do what is required.

Texas course providing companies won't be ready or even in existence. But, there is sure one in CA that is.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 3/9/13 8:34pm
Msg #460337

My state is AZ. No education is required at this time, although free classes are available. Fee for ack or jurat is $2.

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 3/10/13 6:30pm
Msg #460429

Shoshana, Can you charge a travel fee in AZ? n/m

Reply by Stamper_WI on 3/9/13 8:55pm
Msg #460342

My state is:__ WI

Type of course required (i.e., online, live class) is ___None. Online test after reading brochure

Hours of course required for NEW notaries is ___
Cost for NEW notaries is ___

Hours of course required for renewing notaries is __Same_

Cost for RENEWING notaries is __$20_

Test required? Yes or No Yes

What are you allowed to charge for notarizing with an ack cert? $__50 cents per document_

If you know, what year did this take effect? __Not sure, but it was before Shep the pup was born._

Reply by Roger_OH on 3/9/13 9:29pm
Msg #460344

Brenda, ZERO educational requirements in Ohio.

The draft bill we are preparing for the state legislature includes provisions for mandated notary education, in addition to a uniform statewide exam, and a DOJ background check with fingerprints.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/10/13 7:07pm
Msg #460433

Thanks, Roger...

Here is what I want.
An online course. I want it to be through the sos. There are probably 50K new apps in Texas each year. 50K x $40 for the course would be $2MM a year for the Sos. I'm fine with that.

What I do NOT want.

A live course requirement.
I will not be a notary in four years if I have to pay the prices that Ca. N's do to do the training to pass a test...THAT is a commercial enterprise that grows like weeds out of notaries pockets.

Texas is a gold mine for vendors. And, THAT is what this is about.

50K x $100 to $200 for the course paid to a "vendor" = $5,000,000 - $10,000,000 lifted out of the pockets of notaries.

Not acceptable. The bills sound so harmless...but there is so much at stake underneath them.

Reply by BobbiCT on 3/10/13 10:39am
Msg #460373

CT Notary Education & Costs

Connecticut

No course or education required (since the first notary commissioned ... he was shipped back to England for fraud and theft). CT's claim to fame: The FIRST notary public in the country and the FIRST notary public crook. Blame the King for trusting a colonial in a state known for selling wooden nutmegs. LOL.

Cost for new and renewing notaries public is the same; 5-year commission.

New notaries have an open-book, take all the time you want to copy the answers word-for-word from the notary public handbook that can be downloaded with the application from the SOTS website. (NOTE the State-published handbook is out-of-date. As of 10/01/2012 CT notaries CAN certify copies. The handbook on the website still states notaries cannot; not even an uploaded pdf page of the new law. The SOTS, our commissioning office, is NOT required to notify notaries when applicable laws change.)

Allowed to charge a maximum fee of $5 "per notarization" (unclear if one notarization block for two signers is "a [one] notarization" or if notary who charges the fee can count it as "two" notarizations. New law is not clear on "copy certification" fee, assumption is a maximum of $5. Notaries are NOT allowed to charge for photocopies. Since the majority of CT's 50,000+ notaries do not charge fees and their employers prefer it that way, fee not an issue for the SOTS to consider.

Notarization fees: In 1970s 25 cents per notarization, later increased to $2 per notarization, and finally $5 - I don't remember when the General Assembly took up the fee issue and changed the laws (can be found through footnote research of statutes).

Travel: CT notaries public are allowed to charge a MAXIMUM of 35 cents per mile for travel. Law does not specify whether notary is allowed to charge for one-way from point A to B or round trip travel fee. So far, all bills introduced have failed. (I tried in 1990s with the CT SOTS backing and gave up, others are still trying.) FYI. Travel fee bill introduced again this session: notary can charge ANY AMOUNT for travel IF customer agrees to pay it prior to travel. (Note: Last month I spoke with a person who hired a "mobile notary off the internet" who charged $150 travel fee; person didn't know this was an illegal rate (asked me why I wasn't charging the "standard travel rate." Notaries are NOT required to disclose state-set fees to potential customers. Some areas of our cities notarization fees are $15 with identification and $25 without identification; this from a student who told me she had identification so "I get the discounted rate." Neither will make a complaint to the SOTS, "don't want my notarization invalidated.")

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/10/13 7:55pm
Msg #460437

Thanks again, all... n/m