Notary Titans: AB 1597, Signing Services & Professional Notary Insights

Key Notary Industry Updates

• 💡 The episode of Tuesday Notary Titans (TNT) covered AB 1597, California's fee modernization bill, and insights from the 2025 National Notary Association Notary of the Year, Marcy Tiberio.
• 📚 Laura Beware introduced her new book, "The Compassionate Notary," a field guide for notaries working in sensitive environments like hospitals and hospices.
• 🚀 TNT is highlighted as the nation's longest-running free coaching program for notaries, fostering community and professional growth.

AB 1597: California Notary Fee Modernization

• 💰 California bill AB 1597 proposes raising the notary fee cap from $15 to $20, the first increase since 2016.
• 🎯 This bill is critical for protecting and expanding public access to notarial services and ensuring notaries can operate sustainably.
• 🔑 Support for AB 1597 is sought from all interested parties, not just California notaries, as its success could influence other states.
• 🌱 The goal is to reach 1,500 letters of support, with a town hall scheduled for February 26th to discuss details and next steps.

Insights from a Signing Service Owner

• 💬 Marcy Tiberio, owner of Professional Notary Services Inc., shared perspectives on signing service operations and notary expectations.
• 📊 Loan signing pricing is influenced by factors such as lender/title company pressure, the notary's business approach (professional vs. side hustle), and competitive pricing from other signing companies.
• ⚠️ Notaries' professionalism, proper equipment, and attention to detail are crucial, as their actions directly impact the consumer and reflect on the entire transaction chain.
• 🤝 Building a successful notary business requires time (12-18 months), vetting clients, and cultivating strong, reliable relationships.

Professional Notary Practices & Challenges

• ✅ Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is deemed essential for loan signings and highly recommended for all notaries to protect against accidental errors and legal fees.
• 🚫 It is not considered best practice for a notary to also act as a witness on the same document due to the need for independence, though state laws vary.
• 📈 Fee adjustments for signing services are warranted for substantial changes in a package (e.g., one loan to two, more signers), but minor changes may be a business decision.
• 🗣️ Notaries should vet signing companies and be prepared to decline work that doesn't align with their business standards, as not every client is the right client.

Future of the Notary Profession

• 🔍 The Uniform Law Commission is actively drafting a uniform law to address deed fraud, which will significantly impact the notary's role.
• 🚀 Companies like Fidelity Bankserve have made it more challenging to get approved due to increased fraud concerns and a demand for highly qualified notaries.
• 💡 A key tip for gaining approval with large underwriters like Fidelity is to seek sponsorship from an escrow officer within a Fidelity-approved office.
• 🔑 Relationship building and consistent professionalism are emphasized as critical for long-term success and navigating industry changes.