Introduction: Notaries Public are governed by laws that define their work, fees, tools, and responsibilities. These laws are written and amended in state legislatures—by lawmakers who often lack firsthand experience with notarization. That’s why notaries should not only pay attention to proposed laws but get involved in shaping them. When notaries actively participate in the legislative process, they protect their livelihoods, defend the integrity of their profession, and ensure laws serve the public interest.

Why Civic Engagement Matters

In a democracy, laws reflect the input of engaged citizens. Notaries have specialized knowledge and unique perspectives that legislators need to hear. Without notary input, laws affecting notarization can easily miss the mark, becoming impractical, outdated, or harmful.

How Legislation Directly Impacts Notaries

State laws govern key aspects of notary work, including:

• Fees: Many states cap what notaries can charge. If notaries don’t advocate for fair, updated fees, they risk being undercompensated.
• Technology: Laws determine whether notaries can perform remote online notarizations and under what conditions.
• Training and Requirements: Legislatures decide what education and testing notaries must complete.
• Recordkeeping: Journal requirements and retention periods are set by law.

These laws shape notaries’ day-to-day practices. If notaries aren’t involved in shaping them, others with different priorities may decide what the profession looks like.

Real-World Example: The New York Notary Alliance’s Fight for Journal Requirements

In 2022, New York implemented significant reforms to its notary laws, introducing remote online notarization and requiring all notaries to maintain journals. While this recordkeeping requirement aimed to strengthen consumer protection and deter fraud, it faced swift opposition from attorney groups, who argued it was burdensome.

A bill was introduced to scale back the journal requirement, potentially removing this key safeguard for all notaries. The New York Notary Alliance (NYNA) mobilized to protect the integrity of the profession. They met with lawmakers, submitted testimony, and organized notaries across the state to advocate for keeping journals as a best practice.

Their efforts made an impact. The journal requirement for commissioned professional notaries remained intact. Thanks to NYNA’s advocacy, New York preserved an essential anti-fraud tool that protects notaries and the public alike.

Other Success Stories

• Fee increases: In Texas, notaries successfully advocated for raising outdated fees, improving fairness and sustainability.
• Modernization: In many states, notary associations played a key role in passing remote online notarization laws.
• National efforts: The National Notary Association’s Model Notary Act provides a framework for better notary laws nationwide, developed with practitioner input.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t need to be a lobbyist to make a difference:

• Stay informed: Follow legislation in your state that affects notaries.
• Contact lawmakers: A phone call, email, or letter from a constituent notary carries weight.
• Join forces: Work with notary associations or advocacy groups to amplify your voice.
• Offer expertise: Attend hearings, submit testimony, or provide feedback on proposed bills.

Conclusion

Laws governing notaries are written by people—and they can be influenced by people. As a notary, you understand the realities of your work better than most policymakers. By speaking up, sharing your expertise, and advocating for thoughtful legislation, you help protect the integrity of notarization, your livelihood, and the public trust.

Just as you leave your stamp on documents, you can leave your mark on the laws that govern your profession. Stand up, get involved, and let your voice be heard—because notary laws work best when notaries help shape them.