Proper Notary Public Attire

Details

Published: June 3, 2014

Notary FAQ

As a notary public you will come across many types of notarial services that will take place in several different settings. A challenging issue for most notaries public, especially those who travel extensively, is how to determine the accepted dress co...

Read more ...

Security Information FAQs

Details

Published: January 11, 2020

Florida Notary FAQ

The following are the most common questions asked by our customers regarding security information. However, if your question is not listed below, feel free to contact us to receive an answer to your question.

 

Will you share my contact information with others?

Absolutely not. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.

 

Do you keep my information?

We do save some of your information, such as your name, email, address and order number. We do NOT store your payment details. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.

 

How secure is my payment?

Security is Notary Public Underwriters’ highest priority. We use the most up-to-date safeguards for the application and payment process. In addition, we do not store any of your payment details.

Notary Application Process FAQs

Details

Published: January 13, 2020

Florida Notary FAQ

The following are the most common questions asked by our customers regarding the notary application process. However, if your question is not listed below, feel free to contact us to receive an answer to your question.

 

What address should I mail my completed online Florida notary application to?

You will mail your Florida notary application and notary bond to:

Notary Public Underwriters,
P.O. Box 5378
Tallahassee, FL 32314

If you are planning to use UPS, FedEx, signature confirmation mail or expedited mail, the physical address is:

5524 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32311

Note: Please send all expedited mail to the physical address. Any expedited mail sent to the P.O. Box may result in delays.

 

I made a mistake on my submitted Florida notary application. How do I correct it?

If the information you entered is incorrect, you may make the correction on the form directly by making a mark through the incorrect information and providing the correct information. Online applications cannot be changed once the order is placed, but we will make the correction once the application gets to our office.

If the application has already been submitted to our office, you will need to contact our Customer Care Team at 800.821.0821 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can determine the correct course of action.

 

My legal name is hyphenated with my maiden name and married name, but I am divorced and don't typically use my hyphenated last name. Although my hyphenated last name appears on my driver's license and social security card, am I able to use just my maiden name (without the hyphen) on the Florida notary?

Unfortunately, your Florida notary commission should be in your official legal name. If you want your notary commission to include just your maiden name, you would legally need to change your name. Whatever name you use on your Florida notary application will be the name your commission is under.

If you have any further questions, please contact our Customer Care Team at 800.821.0821.

 

I was told that it would take up to 8 weeks for the Florida Governor’s Office to review my Florida notary application. Is this true?

For special circumstances, such as revoked professional license, disciplinary action and felony convictions, your application must go to the Governor's Office for approval. This may take a minimum of 8 weeks; however, if your application is sent to the Florida Governor's Office without all of the proper documentation, it may result in additional delays.

First time Florida notary applicants: We will submit your Florida notary application to the Secretary of State's office for approval within 24 hours of receiving your completed Florida notary paperwork and education certificate. The current turnaround time for Florida notary applications is approximately 3 days.

Renewing Florida notary applicants:  The State will accept your Florida notary renewal application within 4 months of your current expiration date. We will send your application to the State as soon as it is within the filing timeframe. Again, the Secretary of State's office approves within 3 business days.

If you have specific question about your Florida notary application, or would like to check the status, please contact our Customer Care Team at 800.821.0821 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Idaho Frequently Asked Questions

Details

Published: January 11, 2020

Idaho Notary FAQ

Idaho Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a notary public?

A notary public is a person of integrity who is appointed to act as an impartial witness to the signing of an important transaction and to perform a notarial act, which validates the transaction. A notary’s primary purpose is to prevent fraud and forgery by requiring the personal presence of the signer and satisfactorily identifying the signer.

 

What is a notary bond?

The notary bond is a type of surety bond issued by an approved surety company to protect the public against any wrongdoing on the part of the notary. The surety company guarantees to the public that you, as a notary public, will perform your duties in accordance with the law, and if you do not, the company will pay any damages caused by the incorrect notarization up to the amount of the bond.

 

What does it mean to "notarize a signature"?

“Notarize a signature” is a generic phrase used when administering an oath or taking an acknowledgment, the two most common notarial acts.

 

How do I administer an oath for a document?

Assuming the document is ready for notarization and the signer has been satisfactorily identified and is willing to sign the document, you administer the oath by asking a simple question, “Do you solemnly swear the information contained in this document is the truth, so help you God?” For an oath, you must witness the person signing the document.

 

What do I do if a signer objects due to religion?

A legal alternative to an oath is an affirmation. Ask the question: “Do you solemnly affirm under the penalties of perjury the information contained in this document is the truth?”

 

How do I take an acknowledgment?

Assuming the document is ready for notarization and the signer has been satisfactorily identified and is willing to sign the document, you take the signer’s acknowledgement by asking a simple question: “Do you acknowledge and declare this is your signature, you understand this document, and you willingly signed the document for the purposes stated herein?”

 

What is the venue?

"State of ______, County of ______"

This notation is called the venue. It is the location of the notarization - not the county where you live or work.

 

May I notarize the signature of a blind person?

Yes. But only if you first read the document to the person and you feel sure about the person’s understanding and willingness to sign.

 

May I notarize my own signature?

No. Notarizing your own signature violates the requirement for impartiality. Violation of this prohibition is a felony crime.

 

May I perform a notarization when I am a party?

No. If you are a party to the transaction or if you have a financial interest in the transaction, you may NOT be the notary for this transaction. You would not be impartial, and the transaction could be deemed unlawful or unenforceable.

 

May I assist a client with legal documents?

No, not unless you are an attorney licensed to practice law in Idaho. Furthermore, you may not explain the contents of a document or give any advice about the document. If you do, you may be found guilty of the unauthorized practice of law.

 

May I help a friend fill out immigration papers?

No. Only attorneys or qualified immigration specialists may perform these duties.

 

Why should I keep a record book?

Record books are an inexpensive way to keep a record of every notarization you perform. There are several advantages, including:

--A record book can serve as a reminder of the steps of notarization.
--A record book may protect you against a claim of negligence or impropriety.
--A record book may help prove you notarized a document when there is a question about your signature or when the notarial certificate is destroyed or marred in some way.
--A record book can refresh your memory about a notarization you do not recall.
--A record book is reliable as evidence in court if you have to testify about a notarization.
--A record book not only protects you, but may also protect your customer and your employer.

 

When can I expect to receive my purchase?

Generally, you can expect your purchase to arrive within 5 to 7 business days after we receive notification of your appointment. However, please allow up to 12 business days for any carrier delays.

 

How do I pay for my order?

At the moment, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards. We also accept check and money orders by mail.

 

May I cancel or change my order?

Please contact customer service if you are not happy with your order. Once we know what the problem is, we will let you know how we can help.

 

Will you share my contact information with others?

Absolutely not. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.

 

How do I file a claim against a notary's bond?

A bond is required by the State to be available in order to compensate any individual harmed as a result of a breach of duty by the notary. Individuals harmed can file a claim against the notaries bond for financial damage.

Claims may occur due to signatures which are forged, incomplete or otherwise defective in real estate transactions, motor vehicle transfers and cases where the validity or date of a document may be an issue.

In order to file a claim against a notary bonded through our company you will need to submit the following:

Copy of improperly notarized document
Proof of error or fraud by notary
Letter stating amount of financial damage or loss caused by the notarization
Please send the above information to:

Claims Department
Notary Public Underwriters
P.O. Box 7457
Tallahassee, FL 32314-7457

Or fax to:
888-979-7063
Attn: Claims Department

For all questions regarding the status of your filed claim, please contact CNA Surety at 800.331.6053.

 

Who do I contact to check on the status of a claim?

For all questions regarding the status of your filed claim, please contact CNA Surety at 800.331.6053.