Notary Education

What happens when the name on a signer's identification doesn't exactly match the name on the document? Name discrepancies are common, but the answer isn't always as simple as requiring an exact match. Learn what Notaries should consider—and why your state's identification laws matter.

A Signature/Name Affidavit can help document the different names a signer may have used—but can a Notary rely on it to establish the signer's identity? Understanding the difference between a lender's identification concerns and a Notary's legal identification requirements is essential.

Confused about the difference between a Medallion Signature Guarantee and a notarization? Learn what a Medallion Signature Guarantee is, who can provide one, and why Notaries Public cannot substitute a notarial act for this specialized financial service.

What is meant by the terms - Wet state or Dry state? In this case, it doesn't have anything to do with alcohol. We are talking about real estate and property loan funding and closings. As Notary Loan Singing Agents, we probably have heard the terms before but never really understood what it meant.

We’re often taught not to read a signer’s private documents—but does that mean we should only look at the notarial certificate? Sometimes important language within the document itself can signal that a Notary needs to stop, look a little closer, and make sure the requested notarial act is clear.

Ever wondered what the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) has to do with you as a Notary Signing Agent? When you're handling loan documents filled with sensitive borrower information, understanding how that information should be protected matters.

Understanding Corrections vs. Backdating and Postdating. Making corrections is a normal part of a notary's job. Backdating or postdating a notarial act, however, is never appropriate. Understanding the difference can help you avoid ethical mistakes, protect your commission, and comply with your state's notary laws.

Could you be Blocklisted and not even know it? Notary Signing Agents can lose future opportunities with signing services, title companies, lenders, and platforms for a variety of reasons. Learn what “blocklisting” really means and the professional mistakes that can put future assignments at risk.

Edited & Updated 6/2026 Can we talk about Pronouns for a minute? Pronouns in Notarial Certificates: What Should Notaries Do?We, as Notaries, have all seen the Notarial Certificates that want us to circle a pronoun. You know, the “he/she/they” or “him/her/theirs”. That might