To America's Notaries

(In light of recent national media events involving Notaries, the following important reminders are offered. - Editor)

1. Always follow state law that requires the signer to always be in your physical presence when you notarize.
2. Always obtain proper identification -- including a photo and physical description of the signer.
3. Always make a complete record of your notarial act -- including the signature of the signer in your journal.
4. Always ask for a thumbprint of the signer in your journal to help protect against imposture.
5. Always be assured that the signer is not being coerced and is willingly signing the documents you notarize.
6. Always properly attach a Notary certificate -- if wording is not already printed on the document -- and accurately complete and sign the acknowledgment or jurat certificate.
7. Always notarize only those documents that are complete (no blanks).
8. Always use a seal when you notarize.
9. Always refrain from giving legal advice.
10. Always remember that, as a Notary Public, you are a public official accountable in your notarizations to the state -- and to no one else, including your employer.