Marylyn's 90 Seconds of Notary

Have you ever wondered exactly what needs to be in that small section at the bottom of a document? Join Marylyn as she breaks down the essential elements of The Notary Block to keep your records compliant. • Answer: The notary block must contain the venue, the specific act being performed, and your official signature and seal. • Answer: If the language is missing, you must attach a loose certifica...

In this episode of Marylyn 's 90 Seconds of Notary, we tackle what to do when your signers show up without the required witnesses for their documents. • Answer: Always verify state statutes and document instructions to see if you can provide disinterested witnesses or if the signing must be rescheduled. Today's daily thought reminds us that being prepared is the key to professional confi...

Is it legal to notarize over a video call like FaceTime? Join Marylyn as she explains why physical presence still matters most for your documents. • Answer: Most states require physical presence , meaning FaceTime does not meet the legal standard for traditional notarization. • Answer: For remote signings, you must use a state-approved RON platform rather than casual video apps. Don't miss to...

In this episode, Marylyn explains the proper way to notarize for an Attorney in Fact during our 'Good Question' segment. • Answer: Verify the Power of Attorney document and ensure the signer uses the correct representative signature format. Catch our daily thought at the end and subscribe for your quick notary updates! Show Notes: • Verify the Power of Attorney document to ensure the sig...

Can you certify a copy of a passport? Join Marylyn as she explains the specific rules for handling this common request. • Answer: Check your state laws first to confirm if you are authorized to certify copies of original documents like passports. • Answer: You must always have the original passport present to verify the copy is an accurate reproduction. Stay tuned for a quick daily thought to keep...

Join Marylyn as she tackles a tricky "Good Question" about what to do when a client presents a document that is already signed. • Answer: You must ensure the signer personally appears and verbally acknowledges their signature before you complete the certificate. • Answer: Unlike an oath, the signature does not have to be made in your presence, but the verbal acknowledgment is mandatory ....

Can you handle your employer's documents without crossing ethical lines? Join Marylyn as she clarifies the rules for handling "The Boss's Paperwork" in this quick episode. • Answer: Most states allow notarizing for an employer provided you have no direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. • Answer: Always maintain your role as an impartial witness regardless o...

In this episode of Good Question , Marylyn explains the essential steps for notarizing documents for blind signers with confidence and care. • Answer: Read the document aloud to the signer or ensure they have had it read to them to guarantee full knowledge of the contents. • Answer: Clearly document the specific communication method used in your notary journal to protect all parties. Stay tuned fo...

In this episode, Marylyn explains exactly how to handle documents when signers are in different locations. • Answer: Each notary only completes a separate certificate for the individual signer they personally witness. • Answer: Ensure the document provides enough space or attachments for multiple certificates to reflect different venues. End with a daily thought on professional precision and subsc...

How do you handle a verbal ceremony without fumbling your words? Marylyn breaks down the essential steps for successfully administering the oath in today's quick session. • Answer: Ensure the signer understands they are swearing or affirming to the truth of the document under penalty of perjury. • Answer: Always ask for an audible "Yes" or "I do" to satisfy legal requireme...

Ever wondered if you can notarize a document that is missing a date? Join Marylyn as she clarifies the rules for The Undated Document . • Answer: You may notarize a document with a missing date, but your notarial certificate must always reflect the actual date of the act. • Answer: Ensure the signer is aware of the blank space and never fill in the document date yourself. Don't miss today&apo...

In this episode, Marylyn clarifies the common confusion surrounding which ink color you should use during a signing. • Answer: Most states allow blue or black ink, but always verify your specific state laws or agency requirements to ensure compliance. • Answer: Blue ink is often the preferred choice because it makes it easier to distinguish an original signature from a photocopy. We wrap up with a...

Ever come across a document that doesn't state where the notarization is happening? Marylyn explains how to handle a missing venue in this quick "Good Question" session. • Answer: You must manually add the state and county where the signing actually takes place to ensure the act is legal. • Answer: Never leave the venue blank as it is a mandatory element for a valid notarial certifi...

In this episode, Marylyn addresses the critical steps you must take when a signer appears to be under duress or coercion. Knowing how to handle a pressured signer is essential for protecting the integrity of your notarial acts. • Answer: Stop the signing immediately if the signer shows signs of being forced or does not understand the document. • Answer: Attempt to speak with the signer privately t...

In this episode, Marylyn clarifies the common confusion regarding Vital Records and the notary's role. • Answer: Notaries are generally prohibited from certifying copies of vital records like birth or death certificates, as these must be obtained directly from the government agency. We wrap up with a short daily thought on professional integrity; be sure to subscribe for more quick tips! Show...

Ever wonder what to do when an ID name doesn't perfectly match the document? In this episode, Marylyn tackles the common challenge of The Name Discrepancy to keep your notarizations legal and smooth. • Answer: Follow the rule that the name on the ID must contain at least as much information as the name on the document. • Answer: When names differ significantly, use credible witnesses or decli...

Can you notarize a document you can't read? Marylyn explores the essential rules for handling paperwork written in another tongue in this quick session of Good Question. • Answer: You may notarize foreign language documents as long as the notarial certificate is in a language you understand. • Answer: You must be able to communicate directly with the signer to ensure they understand what they...

Can you charge extra for working when everyone else is celebrating? Join Marylyn as she breaks down the rules for holiday fees in this episode of "Good Question". • Answer: Most state laws strictly cap notarial act fees , meaning you cannot increase the per-signature rate just because it is a holiday. • Answer: You can typically charge a separate, pre-negotiated travel or convenience fee...

In this episode of Good Question, Marylyn tackles the common confusion surrounding a Signature for a Minor . Whether it is for travel consent or school forms, knowing the right steps is essential. • Answer: Ensure the minor has proper identification or use credible witnesses as allowed by your state law. • Answer: If the child is too young to sign, a parent or guardian may sign their name on the m...

Ever wonder what to do when you see an empty spot on a document? Marylyn explains the rules for handling blank spaces to keep your notarizations legal. • Answer: Never notarize a document with incomplete sections as it invites fraud. • Answer: Ensure the signer fills in every line or uses "N/A" before you proceed. Stay for a quick daily thought on integrity and be sure to subscribe for m...

Ever wondered how to handle a signing when the client doesn't have a valid ID? In this episode, I discuss the essential role of credible witnesses and how they serve as a legal bridge for identity verification. Understanding these procedures is vital for any professional looking to prevent fraud and maintain the integrity of their acts. • Subject: Defining the Role. A credible witness acts as...

As a commissioned notary public, you are expected to be the expert in the room. But when you are jumping between appointments, managing high-stress signings, and keeping up with ever-changing state laws, where do you turn for a quick, definitive answer? Welcome to Marylyn's 90 Seconds of Notary . Brought to you by the Notary Knowledge by Derrick Spruill network, this is your new go-to audio r...