National Notary Association

The National Notary Association (NNA) is a professional organization that promotes the highest standards of practice and ethical conduct among notaries public in the United States. Founded in 1957, the NNA has been a leader in advancing the interests of notaries public and the public they serve. With over 4.4 million notaries public in the U.S., the NNA plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the notarial profession and the trust of the public.

The mission of the NNA is to provide education, advocacy, and support for notaries public. It offers a wide range of resources, from training and certification to legal and technical assistance. The NNA also promotes the adoption of best practices and standards that enhance the quality of notarial services and protect the rights of signers and document recipients.

One of the main activities of the NNA is providing education and training for notaries public. It offers a comprehensive training program for new notaries and a continuing education program for experienced notaries. The training covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of notarization to advanced legal and ethical issues. The NNA also provides resources for notaries to stay up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations related to notarization.

In addition to training, the NNA offers certification programs for notaries who want to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to professionalism. The NNA’s Certified Notary Signing Agent (CNSA) designation is recognized by many lenders, title companies, and signing services as a mark of excellence in the field of loan document signings. The NNA also offers certification for notaries who specialize in remote online notarization (RON) and electronic notarization.

Another important role of the NNA is advocating for the interests of notaries public and the public they serve. The association works closely with state legislatures and regulatory agencies to promote laws and regulations that support the highest standards of practice and protect the rights of signers and document recipients. The NNA also educates the public about the role of notaries and the importance of notarization in preventing fraud and ensuring the validity of legal documents.

The NNA also provides valuable resources for notaries who need legal or technical assistance. Its Notary Hotline is a free service that provides expert advice on notarial issues, such as proper procedures for signing and stamping documents, handling difficult signers, and dealing with unusual notarization requests. The NNA’s website also offers a wide range of articles, FAQs, and other resources that help notaries understand the legal and practical aspects of their role.

Finally, the NNA promotes the adoption of best practices and standards that enhance the quality of notarial services and protect the rights of signers and document recipients. It has developed a Model Notary Act that provides a blueprint for states to modernize and strengthen their notary laws. The NNA also supports the adoption of electronic notarization standards that allow notaries to perform remote and online notarizations with the same level of security and credibility as traditional notarizations.

In conclusion, the National Notary Association is an essential resource for notaries public and the public they serve. By promoting the highest standards of practice and ethical conduct, providing education and certification programs, advocating for the interests of notaries and the public, and offering legal and technical assistance, the NNA helps maintain the integrity and credibility of the notarial profession. As the demand for notarial services continues to grow in a rapidly changing technological environment, the NNA’s leadership and support will be critical for notaries to adapt and excel in the years ahead.