How to Celebrate National Notary Week (And Why a Cash Tip Is the Wrong Move)

The Notary Is More Important Than Most People Think

Whether you're buying a home, signing a will, or finalizing a crucial business contract, you've likely encountered a notary public. These trusted officials serve as impartial witnesses, deterring fraud and ensuring the integrity of our most important transactions. Their seal on a document is a quiet symbol of certainty and trust. But did you know that these public officials have a designated time for national recognition?

While their work often happens in the background, notaries play a vital role in commerce and our personal lives. This article pulls back the curtain on National Notary Week to share some of the most surprising and important facts about this observance—from its nearly 400-year-old roots to how it’s celebrated today and the complex ethics of showing appreciation for a job well done.

It’s a Whole Week with Deep Historical Roots

Many people are familiar with single-day observances, but notaries get an entire week of recognition. National Notary Public Week is observed annually during the week of November 7th, with Notary Public Day serving as its centerpiece on November 7. This tradition was established to recognize notaries for their public service and contributions to national and international commerce, with the first official day celebrated on November 7, 1975.

The choice of date is no accident. It was selected to honor Thomas Fugill, who was appointed as America's very first notary by the Colony of New Haven. The appointment took place on November 7, 1639, according to the modern Gregorian calendar. This long line of public officials includes some surprising figures, from Mark Twain, who served as a notary in Nevada, to Calvin Coolidge's father, who famously administered the presidential oath of office to his own son. This deliberate choice of date connects the modern observance directly to the very beginning of the profession in America, a profession that today includes nearly 4.8 million notaries. It's a choice that anchors the modern profession to its foundational principles of trust and official record-keeping.

It's Celebrated with Education and Appreciation, Not Confetti

Observing National Notary Week is less about parties and more about professional development, public education, and showing respect for the office. The focus is on empowering notaries to stay current with laws and best practices while informing the public about their crucial role.

A perfect example is how professional organizations and state offices often host educational events, such as the virtual workshop promoted for National Notary Day on November 7, 2024, by the California Secretary of State. This free virtual event offers new and experienced notaries important updates, information on best practices, and a live Q&A session with subject matter experts. It’s a clear demonstration of how the week is used to bolster the profession through education.

Other appropriate ways to "celebrate" and show support include:

• Offering a "hearty 'thank you' to the notary public in your life."

• Taking time to learn about the critical role notaries play in deterring fraud.

• Encouraging notaries to participate in educational events to stay informed on the latest guidelines and laws.

The Best Way to Say ‘Thanks’ Is More Complicated Than You Think

After a particularly complex or lengthy signing, it’s natural to want to show gratitude with a gift or a tip. A quick search on Etsy reveals popular gift ideas for notaries, such as personalized leather portfolios, professional tote bags, and custom notary stamps. However, this well-intentioned gesture can place a notary in a difficult ethical position.

Remember that core function mentioned earlier—serving as an impartial witness? This is precisely why a well-intentioned tip can create a professional minefield. This isn't just a theoretical problem; notaries in online forums frequently discuss the awkwardness of being offered a generous cash tip after a difficult signing, knowing that accepting it could violate their professional code.

To navigate this tricky situation, the National Notary Association (NNA) offers a clear and cautious guideline:

The safest choice is not to accept extra tips for Notary services.

Accepting compensation beyond the legally allowed fees could be seen as an improper influence that compromises the notary's impartiality. Imagine a customer who regularly provides tips later asking the notary to overlook a small problem with their ID. This creates an awkward and potentially compromising situation. Furthermore, Guiding Principle II-A-3 of The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility explicitly recommends that notaries should not accept any gifts, gratuities, or donations.

Instead of a cash tip, consider these non-monetary ways to show appreciation that don't put the notary in an ethically challenging position:

• Write a positive online review of their services.

• Refer their services to friends, family, and colleagues.

National Notary Week is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a long-standing tradition that honors a vital profession. It’s a time for recognition that is best celebrated through respect, education, and an understanding of the professional integrity that guides every notarization. The best way to show appreciation is by recognizing and respecting the impartiality that is the hallmark of their office.

So the next time you see a notary's seal, will you see more than just a stamp—but the history, responsibility, and unwavering impartiality behind it?