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eNotarization is Coming to Virginia July 1, 2008
* Authorizes Notaries to perform eNotarizations, effective 7/1/08, after registering with the Secretary of State.
* Requires eNotarizations to include an independently verifiable electronic signature and seal, which render the document tamper-evident.
* Allows Notaries to charge up to $25 per eNotarization.
* Requires Notaries to keep a record of electronic notarizations, but not of their paper-based acts.
 According to the NNA (National Notary Association) "Digital Is The New Ink for Seal Of The Future...the electronic seal has an advantage over its physical counterpart - it can alert a recipient of the document if altered after notarization. Obviously, it's impossible to place a physical impression or an ink stamp on a paperless document. Because software such as PhotoShop can remove a visual image of a seal, an electronic seal needs to function differently than its physical counterpart. An electronic signature can use encryption and software to "lock" an eDocument's contents.
States are taking a "technology neutral" approach to their eNotarization law, which means that eSeals could come in many different formats, as long as they conform to basic state requirements. On a computer screen, an electronic seal simply may appear as information about the Notary. If someone alters the document, the electronic seal could alert a person later viewing it with an on-screen warning..."
Important Note: We do not have any specific eNotarization information or approvals for equipment and electronic seals yet so hold off purchasing an eJournal system. More information will follow as soon as we hear about it. |
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| VIRGINIA NOTARY PUBLIC CLASSES eNEWS HAS AN ARCHIVES: If you misssed an issue of our eNews, we now have an Archives. Our premier issue, October 2007, through January 2008 can be viewed at VNPC eNews Archives. |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
How Do I Proceed When Someone Is Signing His/Her Signature By Using An "X" ?
 If a person cannot fully write a signature due to a disability, one of the most common alternatives available to a Notary is what is called a "signature by mark." Instead of writing a name out fully on a document, the signer instead draws some symbol on the document in the presence of two (2) witnesses. (VA) While an "X" is a typical example of such a mark, other letters, markings or even a thumbprint or fingerprint may also be acceptable.
In Virginia the notary is required to complete a CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR A PERSON WHO IS UNABLE TO WRITE. SIGNATURE BY MARK (X). In addition to the notary's signature and notarization, two (2) witnesses must sign this form.
If you are a mobile notary be sure to carry these forms in your notary bag. Quite often you are unaware that a signer may have a disability which prevents him/her from writing his/her signature. For a copy of this form, email bryce@midatlanticnotaryservices.com. Our "Notary Basics" class provides complete details for "Signature By Mark (X)." Be informed - take a "Notary Basics" class.
What types of identification cards can I use?
According to the Virginia Notary Public Handbook, identification is based on the examination of one or more of the following documents bearing a photographic image of the individual's face and signature:
1. United States Passport
2. Certificate of United States citizenship
3. Certificate of Naturalization
4. Foreign passport
5. Alien registration card with photograph
6. State issued driver's license or state issued identification card
7. United States military card
According to the Notary Division the acceptable forms of identification stated above must be unexpired. For additional ID information, refer to VA Notary Handbook Section 47.1.2. Definitions, page 13 |
| ATTENTION NOTARY EMPLOYERS: Are your Employee Notaries fully trained in Virginia Notary Public Law? Do you know what your liability as a Notary Employer is? We offer "Notary Basics" training at your location in order to accommodate you and your employee notaries. Be confident in your Employee Notaries' notary skills. Contact Bryce Hall at 804 240-3631.
Important Note: Mid Atlantic Mobile Notary Services, Inc. is an official SWAM certified Woman-Owned Business with the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise. We are on the eVA system. "Notary Basics" training = well informed Employee Notaries. |
| Notary Spotlight
John Weis - Notary Public
I have been a Farmers Insurance Agent since late 1995. My Agency located in Brookfield Plaza, Springfield, VA offers multi-line insurance services - Auto, Home, Commercial Life, Long Term Care Insurance and Financial Services such as 401 K rollovers, College Funding (529) Programs, Individual and Group Retire Savings Accounts and  Individual Investing Accounts.
Our Agency location is an area with consistent pedestrian traffic. Our clients, neighbors and visitors frequently pop in to ask if we offer Notary Public services. With this interest and motivation in mind, I took my "Notary Basics" class with Bryce Hall. Bryce taught a solid class on Notary Public responsibilities, techniques and case studies to advance our wisdom and skills as a Notary Public. |
I look forward to adding the Notary Public function to my list of services by March 1, 2008. I will be satisfying a community need while providing increased value and added services to my many clients. I am proud of the service that I will offer.
Note: For more information about John's Farmers Insurance Agency, please visit his website: www.weisfarmers.com
Kathy and Alden Thomas - Mobile Signing Agents
Kathy and Alden are a wife/husband team notary signing agents in the beautiful Roanoke Valley. Starting as part-time signing agents in Fall 2007, Kathy and Alden both have full time jobs so flexibility  is the key to their success.
Kathy and Alden perform various mobile notary work across Southwest Virginia and have met some great people along the way. A Thomas Travel Tip is to mapquest trips/directions and stay in contact with your clients. Allow yourself a little extra time when traveling in unfamiliar territory. |
| Reminder from the Notary Division:
:The Notary's Greatest Responsibility - A notary must never accept any signature as genuine on the word of a third party. An acknowledgement must be made by the person whose signature is the subject of the acknowledgement. Oaths must be administered by a notary for any sworn document and the person giving the oath must appear, in person, before the notary who administers the oath. A notary who fails to establish the identity of a person runs the risk of being sued for negligence or malfeasance in office. The only safe practice is to REFUSE to notarize any signature unless the identity of the signer is clearly established.
In taking an acknowledgment or administering an oath, the person whose act is the subject of the notarial act must personally appear before the notary. Refe rence: VA Notary Handbook Page 5 |
 Meet Our Sponsors
Carol Butler - The Butler Company
Carol Butler of the Butler Company has been in the real estate business for over 30 years. She teaches a pre-licensing class for the Virginia title insurance underwriter's exam. It is a one-day class that prepares you for the Virginia State Exam. Carol's pre-licensing class is recommended as Step 1 for Virginia Notary Signing Agents who are seeking CRESPA registration.
Carol's class is available at a variety of locations and online. Please visit her website for dates and locations.
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Paul V. Thompson, Tax expert, has a monthly news  letter which debuted in January 2008. Please click on his website to read the following very informative articles:
- Tips to Help Your Business Get Paid On Time
- Understanding Cash Flow
- How To Reduce Taxes When Selling Your Home
- Tips For Deducting Charitable Contributions
- Deducting Vehicle Donations Tips
- Receive Your Refund Faster With Direct Deposit
- Create A Financial Plan and Monitoring System
- Setup an Effective Filing System
- Prepare for Taxes
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| NEWS FROM VIRGINIA:
HB 431 proposal will require 16 hours of prelicensing education (CRESPA, RESPA, Wet Settlement Act, etc.) before sitting for the title insurance exam. (of interest to Notary Signing Agents)
Senate Bill 550 is proposing to remove the requirement that certain wording appear on the same page as signatures when multiple signatures are required on a document that needs to be notarized.
(of interest to all VA Notaries Public)
Note: We will keep you posted on all updates which may affect Notary Signing Agents and Notaries Public. Updates may be sent as separate emails or may be included in upcoming monthly eNews issues. | |
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| Treat Yourself
Take A Class! |
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Bryce Hall takes our Mobile Classroom on the road monthly to teach "Notary Basics" and "Become A Notary Signing Agent" classes. Check out our complete Schedule of Classes for dates/locations nearest you.
Understanding The Mortgage
Loan Signing
02/07/08 - Springfield
Notary Basics
02/12/08 - Springfield
Become A Notary Signing Agent
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
02/16/08 - Richmond
Notary Basics
9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Become A Notary Signing Agent
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Understanding The Mortgage Loan Signing
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
02/19/08 - Stafford
Notary Basics
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Register online:
804 240-3631
We do not
accept walk-ins.
Please register! |
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| Understanding The Mortgage Loan Signing
for Notary Signing Agents |
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This popular class includes a thorough review of mortgage loan documentation. Learn the Do's and Don'ts when performing witness signings.
Classes are currently offered monthly at Acorn Sales Co. in Richmond and the Women's Business Center in Springfield.
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Coming In March
Monday "Notary Basics" Classes For
Employee Notaries
Acorn Sales Company
Richmond, VA
March 10th & 24th are the dates scheduled for our weekday "Notary Basics" classes. These two hour classes provide an opportunity for Employee Notaries to be trained. Tell your boss about this important notary training. Reserve your seat early! Small classes are limited to six spaces per class.
Morning Break
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Coffee & Donuts served
Lunch Break
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bring a bag lunch.
Beverage & snack included
Afternoon Break
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Beverage & snack included
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| Discounted Notary Supplies
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Adam Raidabaugh, President of Acorn Sales Co., offers Virginia notaries a 20% discount for all notary supplies including:
Notary inked seals
Notary traditional embossers
Impression inkers
Notary public decals
Notary public desk signs
Gold foil notary seals
Pocket embosser pouches, embosser box & more!
Use coupon code:
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| Join Our Notary Spotlight
Without your participation we wouldn't have such an interesting Spotlight each month. Many thanks again to Don, Schatzie, Tony, Eve, Carolyn, John, Kathy and Alden who shared their notary public life in our eNews.
We need YOUR story. Please help us keep this Spotlight shining.
Tell us about your experience as a notary public. We will feature one notary public and one notary signing agent each month. We want to hear about you and/or your small business. |
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Women's Business Center
The Women's Business Center, located near Springfield Mall in Springfield, VA, provides women with the training, assistance and support needed to start and expand successful small businesses.
Visit their website: www.wbcnova.org to learn more.
Unique visitors to our "Virginia Notary Public Classes eNews" February issue ranking 7th, 77th and 177th will receive a FREE "Journal of Notarial Acts For Virginia Notaries Public". We will notify the winners via email. |
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