Last week in the notary community, conversations revolved around some familiar challenges and new experiences. Members revisited the persistent myth surrounding raised seals, discussing its implications on notarization practices. A surprising topic emerged about a notary’s ID mishap involving a bag of rice, sparking debate on the best recovery methods. New notaries shared their first loan signing experiences, seeking advice on next steps. Lastly, a humorous tale about a squeaky seal provided a light-hearted moment amidst more serious discussions.
This Week’s Hot Topics
The eternal raised seal myth
There’s ongoing debate about whether raised seals are necessary or just an archaic tradition. It’s a topic worth following if you’ve ever wondered about the real requirements. Read more here
ID in a bag of rice
A notary recounts an unusual day when their ID ended up in a bag of rice. Members discuss unexpected mishaps and how to handle them professionally. Read more here
First loan signing, and now what
Newcomers to loan signings are looking for guidance on what to do after their first assignment. This thread is a great resource for practical advice and support. Read more here
My seal squeaked and stole the show
A notary shares a funny incident where a squeaky seal interrupted a signing. It’s a reminder that even minor tools can have a big impact. Read more here
Thank you for staying connected and contributing to our discussions. Your experiences and insights make this community valuable. Until next week, keep signing and sharing!
I keep a little zip pouch with silica gel and a plastic sleeve in my bag — if an ID gets soggy (rice is for dinner, not IDs), I let it dry while I verify with a second credential or a credible witness if allowed… @juliannel is right on seals; I keep my SOS FAQ handy and cite ‘no raised seals unless required by statute,’ but I’ll emboss only when the doc explicitly requests it and my state permits.
I started carrying a tiny UV flashlight and a soft cloth; if an ID gets splashed, I dry it and check the UV/ghost features — no, it’s a not a teabag — otherwise I won’t accept screenshots or mDL unless state rules are crystal clear. On the embosser chatter, I’ll add a courtesy impression over my ink stamp only when a local recorder is picky, and I point to statute, not lore (@NNA has a solid overview: Notary Public Knowledge Center | NNA).
I still get clients swearing an embossed stamp is mandatory — — so I carry a $15 pocket embosser as a courtesy and add a note: “embossing added by request; ink seal is the official mark.” For backup, I keep a link ready to text: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2013/06/embossers-are-they-required, but I only use it if it won’t touch signatures or obscure the ink impression. Got a smoother script for pushing back without ruffling feathers?