New Report on State Notarization Policies Highlights Key Issues Affecting Legal, Commercial and Financial Transactions in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), in collaboration with its Notary Public Administrators (NPA) Section, today announced the online availability of a new report designed to promote greater understanding of state laws and policies regarding the notary profession. The report, entitled, “Issues and Trends in State Notary Regulation: NASS Report on State Notarization Policies & Practices,” was developed with input from secretaries of state and notary professionals throughout the U.S. It is specifically written for federal, state and local government leaders who are working on notarization issues.
“The notarial process is at the center of many daily transactions that affect state commerce,” said NASS President Mark Ritchie of Minnesota. “The latest NASS report provides policy makers with a snapshot of how states have been working to enhance the process through such actions as the adoption of electronic notarization procedures and the establishment of clear guidelines for the recognition of notarizations across state lines.”
Drawing from state examples, the report highlights common practices and elements of notarization, including the qualifications for becoming a notary and state requirements for notary education. The use of model statutes and national standards in crafting state laws is also discussed, along with major issues facing policy makers. Appendices include details on notarization practices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including state electronic notarization laws.
The report is a follow-up to the NASS 2006 National Standards on Electronic Notarization, which established technology-neutral guidelines for the facilitation of state electronic notarization practices.
Download the full NASS report at: www.nass.org.
Founded in 1904, NASS is the nation's oldest, nonpartisan professional association of public officials in the U.S. Members include the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.###



