National Notary Week

The Story of Notary Week

The Notary Public Profession

Historically, notaries have played a pivotal role in major American events, from the nation's discovery and founding to the conclusion of the Civil War, with notable figures like Mark Twain and Calvin Coolidge's father holding commissions. In modern practice, particularly in California, there is a strong emphasis on procedural correctness. The process of becoming a notary involves specific steps including education, an exam, and a background check. The application process itself has been updated to prevent common errors related to names, business information, and criminal history disclosures.

For practicing notaries, adherence to best practices is paramount. This includes maintaining a sequential and detailed journal, correctly completing acknowledgement and jurat certificates without alteration, and ensuring the notary's signature matches the one on file with their oath of office. California is also on the cusp of significant changes with the implementation of Assembly Bill 2004, which pertains to the recordation of electronic documents, and Senate Bill 696, which will authorize remote online notarization by 2030 or sooner, pending the completion of a new technology project (NAP 2.0).

A significant ethical discussion within the profession revolves around the acceptance of tips and gratuities. Official guidance from the National Notary Association (NNA) strongly advises against accepting them to maintain impartiality and avoid violating state-mandated fee limits. However, forums reveal a range of practices among notaries, with some accepting tips in specific contexts while others cite contractual obligations with signing services that prohibit collecting money from signers. The consensus leans toward prioritizing ethical conduct and avoiding any appearance of impropriety.

National Notary Day: Commemoration and Education

National Notary Day is observed annually on November 7 to recognize the contributions of notaries public to national and international commerce. The date was chosen to commemorate the appointment of Thomas Fugill, America's first notary, by the Colony of New Haven on November 7, 1639 (Gregorian calendar). The first official Notary Public Day was celebrated in 1975. Some entities, such as the state of Florida in 1996, have also observed a "National Notary Public Week" during the week of November 7.

The Historical Significance of the American Notary

Notaries have been integral to pivotal moments in American history, serving as trusted public officials who provide legitimacy to transactions and official records. The practice dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome.

Historical Event / Era	Notable Notaries & Contributions
Discovery of America (1492)	A notary, Rodrigo de Escobedo, accompanied Christopher Columbus to account for discovered treasures and was present to document the first landing on San Salvador Island.
Founding of the Nation	Thomas McKean of Delaware, a lawyer and notary, cast a decisive vote for independence and was the last to sign the Declaration of Independence. Nathanial Gorham of Massachusetts, a notary and businessman, was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and signed that document.
Texas "Lone Star" Republic	Charles Bellinger Tate Stewart, appointed a notary in 1841, is credited with the original design of the Texas "Lone Star" flag. Judge Roy Bean was an eccentric Texas notary who held court and offered notary services from his saloon.
19th Century Literature	Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) held a brief commission as a Notary Public in Virginia City, Nevada, before resigning in 1864.
End of the Civil War (1865)	West Virginia Notary C.A. Davidson witnessed and notarized Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s amnesty oath. The misplaced document led to Lee's citizenship not being restored until 1975.
Presidential Oath of Office (1923)	John Calvin Coolidge, Sr., a notary public, administered the presidential oath of office to his own son, Calvin Coolidge, after the death of President Warren Harding.
World War II Heroism	Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, a Vatican diplomat and notary for the Catholic Church, risked his life to rescue thousands of Allied prisoners of war and Jewish refugees in Italy.
Modern Era	Humor columnist Dave Barry became a Florida Notary in 1994 to officiate a friend's wedding. Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez worked as a notary in a law office when she was young.