Research & Special Reports Explore our collection of reports and articles on key issues affecting Notaries Public. Here, you'll find in-depth analyses of official Notary census and survey data, comprehensive position papers on topics like absentee voting, fraud prevention, and electronic notarization, and an archive of legacy articles. Notary Census The NNA 2017 Official Notary Census Read more The NNA 2012 Official Notary Census Read more Notary Surveys How much can I earn as a mobile Notary or Signing Agent? Read more Position Papers Securing the Vote: The Role of Notaries Public in Absentee Voting This paper explores the role of Notaries in absentee voting, the legal and practical challenges they encounter, and actionable solutions that can help improve the process. Read more Counterfeit Credibility: The New Threat of Notary Impersonation Fraud We examine how criminals steal Notary commission information to commit fraud, existing laws to address it, and steps Notaries and lawmakers can take to protect against it. Read more Digitally Disguised: Deepfakes and Remote Notarial Acts A look into the threat deepfakes pose to the integrity of remote notarial acts and what may be done to counter this risk. Read more Remote Ink Signed Notarization: Temporary Accommodation or Permanent Solution? Our take on remote ink-signed notarization and its role in the future. Read more The Enduring Benefits of Interstate Recognition of Notarial Act Laws. We discuss the three fundamental principles of interstate recognition of notarial act laws. Read more Unequal Protection Under the Law: All, Not Just Some, Notarial Acts Require the Protections of Notary Journals A look into the importance of Notary journals for all notarial acts. Read more Why Notarization Is More Relevant And Vital Than Ever Notaries are society’s guarantors of integrity and authenticity. Read more Legacy Position Papers The National Notary Association and electronic notarization - 2009 A look at how the National Notary Association continues its commitment to building a Notary Public office that is ever responsive to technological innovation and whose notarizations are effective in deterring fraud. Read more The national eNotary registry: Ensuring trustworthy and reliable electronic documents through secure eNotarization - 2007 How combining the Notary Public’s trusted witnessing with the eNotary Registry’s Electronic Notary Seals make electronic transactions even more secure than paper. Read more A position on E-SIGN, UETA and the need for enabling electronic notarization laws - 2005 Additional rules are needed both to authorize Notaries to act electronically and to guide these Notaries in performing electronic notarizations. Read more The Notary journal: One of law enforcement's most potent weapons against mortgage fraud - 2005 Notarial record-keeping is too important to be left to the whim of the Notary. Each state must require its Notaries to keep a record of their official acts. Read more The Notary seal: Both traditional and electronic seals deter fraud and foster public trust in document integrity - 2005 Learn the public benefits of Notary seal use, whether the seal is a traditional embosser, a photocopiable inking stamp or a digital device for “wrapping” an electronic document. Read more How the Model Notary Act facilitates e-recording - 2005 In this paper, we explore URPERA’s impact, key Notary considerations, and the necessary legal framework for secure and reliable electronic real estate transactions. Read more Load more legacy position papers A position on mandatory training for Notaries - 2004 With increasing cases of mortgage fraud, counterfeit IDs and improper notarizations, preventative training is the best safeguard for both Notaries and the public. Read more The Notary after 9-11: War on ID theft demands trained Notaries who can lawfully ask signers for thumbprints - 2002/2003 This paper emphasizes post-9/11 reforms for Notaries Public, advocating for mandatory education, record-keeping, and thumbprints to prevent fraud and identity theft. Read more The Notary Recordbook: How a journal of notarial acts protects the public - 2002/2003 A look into the importance of a Notary’s journal of notarial acts in safeguarding the integrity of notarized documents and support law enforcement. Read more Identification standards for Notaries - 2002/2003 This paper highlights the need for clear guidelines to help Notaries verify signers' identities, prevent fraud and protect legal integrity in notarized documents. Read more A position on the Notary Signing Agent - 2002/2003 The Notary Signing Agent role is vital in modern mortgage lending, but there is a gap in regulations and standards. The National Notary Association clarifies responsibilities and key functions. Read more A position on misleading usage of Notary terms in the electronic age - 2001 We explain why precise wording is crucial in notarization, as legal outcomes depend on accuracy. Misuse of "Notary" and "notarization" threatens public trust and legal integrity. Read more A position on digital signature laws and notarization - 2000 A look into the role of the Notary Public in the arena of electronic notarization and the dangers of letting technology rather than principle set public policy. Read more John Marshall Law Review Being There: The Importance of Physical Presence to the Notary. Charles N. Faerber. John Marshall Law Review, v. 31, n. 3, Spring 1998, pp. 749 - 776. Read more Book Versus Byte: The Prospects and Desirability of a Paperless Society. Charles N. Faerber. John Marshall Journal of Computer & Information Law, v. 17, n. 3, Spring 1999, pp. 797 - 831. Read more The Feminization of the Office of Notary Public: From Femme Covert to Notaire Covert. Deborah M. Thaw. John Marshall Law Review, v. 31, n. 3, Spring 1998, pp. 703 - 734. Read more National Notary Association: A Historical Profile. Milton G. Valera. John Marshall Law Review, v. 31, n. 3, Spring 1998, pp. 971-999. Read more New Technology and a Global Economy Demand That American Notaries Better Prepare for the Future: Upgrading the Current Common Law System May mean Establishing a New Class of Cyber Professional. Milton G. Valera. John Marshall Law Review, v. 32, n. 4, Summer 1999, pp. 935 - 964. 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