In the world of notarization, the role of a Notary Public is often misunderstood. Many believe it's a straightforward job of signing and stamping documents. However, the reality is far more complex, with Notaries encountering a myriad of challenges in their day-to-day work. We recently reached out to the NNA’s social media community to better understand some of the difficulties that Notaries face today, asking the question “What's the hardest thing for you about being a Notary?” The responses were eye-opening. Frankly, being a Notary isn’t easy. The following is a deeper dive into some of your more common pain points. Constantly changing procedures and rules Notaries are responsible for ensuring documents are correctly notarized according to their state’s statutory or procedural requirements. Keeping track of changing laws and rules can be tough! As one Notary noted, "Keeping up with constant (procedural) changes and rules! I do not have enough hours in the day! However, I am blessed and very thankful for my job and clients!" This comment highlights the ever-evolving landscape of Notary rules and regulations. As these regulations change, Notaries must invest time and effort in staying updated to avoid costly mistakes. Navigating tricky identification situations Another challenge Notaries often face is dealing with individuals who present expired or insufficient identification. One Notary expressed frustration, saying, "Explaining to signers why I cannot accept their expired driver’s license or the ID with their maiden name even though they have their marriage certificate as proof." It's common for Notaries to encounter signers who lack the necessary identification, leading to difficult conversations with customers and potentially having to refuse the notarization. The constant quest to build a client base For many Notaries, getting clients is a significant hurdle. One Notary shared, "The hardest thing for me has been finding leads. I have signed up with over 100 companies, Signing Services, created my business page, and distributed flyers and business cards in both NJ and PA over the past 2 months." Despite their expertise, some Notaries struggle to attract clients, emphasizing the importance of effective Notary marketing and networking efforts. Unrealistic expectations from signing companies Signing companies sometimes place unrealistic demands on Notaries. One Notary recounted, "Signing companies expecting US to do their escrow and lender jobs. I recently encountered a company that expected me to know when a loan file was completed before signing. I am a Notary Public, not a real estate agent, escrow, or loan officer. How would I know?" This highlights the need for clear communication between Notaries and signing services to ensure that each party's responsibilities are well-defined and understood. The battle against unlawful notarizations Lastly, Notaries often encounter individuals seeking to notarize illegal documents. As one Notary lamented, "People always trying to get illegal things (notarized). It's annoying: I will say no, and they keep asking. I have to break it down to them how illegal it would be." Upholding the law and ethical standards is a fundamental duty of Notaries, even when faced with persistent requests for illicit notarization. Our hats off to all the dedicated Notaries out there! The challenges highlighted by Notaries across our social media communities underscore the complexity and importance of your role. It's amazing that, despite these challenges, Notaries remain dedicated and committed with a focus on serving the public and upholding the law and public trust. If you have an insight or opinion on this topic, please view our recent post on Facebook and share your thoughts and experiences.
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