Celebrating National Notary Week: Understanding Its Purpose and How to Participate

Notary Stamps Are Everywhere

Every year on November 7th, we observe National Notary Public Day, a time set aside to honor the contributions of trusted public officials who serve as impartial witnesses to life's most important transactions. This observance extends into National Notary Public Week, celebrated annually during the week of November 7th. In 2024, the week is observed from November 3rd to November 9th. As advocates for this historic and vital profession, we believe it is essential to understand the origins of this celebration and the profound impact of notaries on our society. This article explores the history of this observance, the reasons for its creation, and the many ways both professionals and the public can participate in recognizing the nearly 4.8 million notaries serving across the United States. This tradition of recognition is rooted in a rich history, beginning with the appointment of the very first notary in the American colonies.

The Origins of Notary Public Week: A Nod to History and Service

National Notary Public Day was established in 1974 by the American Society of Notaries and first celebrated in 1975 as a deliberate effort to formally acknowledge the indispensable role these officials play in commerce and civil society.

Why Was Notary Public Week Created?

The core mission of this observance was to formally acknowledge the immense value that notaries bring to our communities. It was established to:

"recognize notaries for their public service and their contributions to national and international commerce."

Notaries fulfill this purpose by deterring fraud and promoting the integrity and reliability of document transactions. They serve as trusted, impartial witnesses who verify a signer's identity, assess their comprehension and willingness to sign, and ensure the legitimacy of countless commercial and private agreements that are essential to the function of our everyday lives.

The Significance of November 7th

The date of November 7th was not chosen at random; it holds deep historical significance. This date was specifically selected to commemorate the day America's first notary, Thomas Fugill, was appointed by the Colony of New Haven. While his appointment occurred on October 25, 1639, on the Julian calendar then in use, this date corresponds to November 7th on the modern Gregorian calendar we use today.

This historical anchor connects modern notaries to a legacy of service stretching back to the earliest days of American history. It also serves as a powerful reminder of how the profession has evolved. In the early 20th century, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. opined that since no record existed of women holding the office in England, there was no evidence they were capable of it. Today, in a striking display of progress, two-thirds of all notaries in the United States are women, demonstrating the profession's modern inclusivity and growth.

How to Celebrate National Notary Week

There are numerous ways to participate in National Notary Week, ranging from official educational events to simple, personal gestures of gratitude. You can observe the week in several key ways:

Appreciate a Local Notary: A simple, hearty "thank you" or a small, thoughtful gift can be a powerful way to acknowledge the skill and attention your local notary provides.
Understand Their Importance: Take some time to learn more about the crucial role notaries play in society. Understanding their responsibilities and history is a meaningful form of recognition.
Participate in Educational Events: Many organizations host events and workshops to help notaries stay informed about best practices and new laws, fostering professional excellence.

Official Recognition and Professional Development

Professional organizations and government bodies often celebrate the week by providing valuable educational opportunities for both new and experienced notaries. A prime example is the 2024 National Notary Day Virtual Workshop hosted by the California Secretary of State, which provides tangible value to practicing notaries.

This event highlights the professional focus of the celebration by offering a free virtual workshop that shares crucial, practical information. Rather than generic advice, these events delve into specifics that help notaries maintain compliance and improve their practice. For instance, the California workshop provides:

Important legal updates, such as detailed discussions of new legislation like Assembly Bill 2004 (regarding the certification of electronic records) and Senate Bill 696 (the Online Notarization Act).
Best practices for common tasks, including guidance on avoiding non-sequential journal entries and properly recording fees.
Guidance on avoiding common errors, such as mistakes made on notary applications regarding commission names versus legal names or incorrect entries in the business address field for self-employed notaries.
A dedicated Q&A session with experts, where attendees can get personalized advice on topics like address changes and rules for electronic journals.

Such events underscore the commitment to integrity and continuous learning that defines the notary profession.

Personal Gestures: Gifts and Appreciation

Showing personal appreciation through thoughtful gifts is another wonderful way to celebrate. While the sentiment is always welcome, it is crucial to understand the ethical considerations surrounding gifts, particularly cash tips. A discussion of gift ideas versus ethical considerations provides clear guidance.

Appropriate Gifts

Ethical Considerations

Thoughtful, professional items are a great choice. Consider items like:<br>- Personalized portfolios<br>- Notary bags or totes<br>- A new notary stamp

Cash tips present a complex ethical issue. While most state laws are silent on the subject, the professional consensus, strongly advocated by the National Notary Association (NNA), is to politely refuse them. The central role of a notary is to provide impartial services, and accepting compensation beyond state-allowed fees could create the appearance of improper influence. The safest practice is to decline tips to maintain impartiality and avoid exceeding state-mandated fees.

Conclusion: Recognizing the Pillars of Trust

National Notary Week is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a time to reflect on the vital role that nearly 4.8 million notaries play as pillars of trust in our society. From authenticating signatures on real estate transactions to witnessing healthcare directives, their work provides the certainty and integrity necessary for commerce and personal affairs to function smoothly. This November, we encourage you to take a moment to thank a notary for their dedicated public service.