Celebrating Notary Public Day

Celebrating Notary Public Day

To all the notaries, the keepers of truth and trust, we salute you today! 

November 7 marks Notary Public Day, a tradition that began in 1975 as a way to recognize the invaluable contributions of notaries to public service and global commerce. Since ancient times, from the Roman Empire to the present digital age, notaries have played a critical role in verifying, documenting, and upholding the integrity of transactions – whether judicial, commercial, or personal. 

A Legacy Spanning Millennia 

The notary profession dates back to ancient Rome, where notaries were entrusted with recording matters of public and private importance with skill and integrity. The role has evolved over time, but the importance of a notary’s impartiality and ethical duty has remained constant. 

The date, November 7, was chosen to honor America’s first notary, Thomas Fugill, who was appointed by the Colony of New Haven on October 25, 1639 (Julian calendar) – a date that now aligns with November 7 on the modern Gregorian calendar. This history serves as a reminder of the notary’s enduring role as a trusted official in times of both personal and commercial need. 

From Wax Stamps to Digital Seals 

For centuries, identity verification relied solely on personal recognition. In fact, California only began allowing notaries to use driver’s licenses for identity verification in the mid-1980s.

Today, over 40 U.S. states permit notaries to perform remote online notarizations (RON), utilizing cutting-edge technology to verify identities. Despite the evolution of tools – whether wax seals, embossers, or electronic stamps – the core of notarial acts remains unchanged: the integrity and reliability of the notary. 

Modern notaries are essential to the smooth flow of commerce and the security of highly sensitive transactions.

We at Secured Signing recognize and celebrate this commitment to integrity. 

Digitally Signed/Notarized Documents vs. Traditional Wet Signatures 

As technology advances, so do the options for signing and notarizing documents. Here’s why Remote Online Notarization (RON) is transforming how notarization services are delivered: 

  • Convenience and Accessibility: With RON, individuals can sign documents from anywhere with an internet connection, removing the need for in-person appointments. This flexibility benefits those with demanding schedules, limited mobility, or those in remote locations. 
  • Enhanced Security: RON platforms employ sophisticated verification methods like knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and biometrics to confirm signer identities.

    Each document is tamper-evident and stored securely, minimizing the risk of fraud or loss. RON records the entire process, ensuring transparency and authenticity for every transaction.
     
  • Increased Efficiency: RON significantly reduces the time required for notarization, making it ideal for industries with frequent notarization needs, such as real estate. Transactions that once took days or weeks can now be completed in minutes, even with multiple signers in different locations. 
  • Streamlined Document Management: Electronic notarization makes documents more accessible and manageable. They can be stored, retrieved, and archived efficiently, eliminating concerns about lost or damaged physical copies.

    These “SMART” documents are Storable, Manageable, Archivable, Retrievable, and Transferable.
     
  • 24/7 Availability: RON services operate beyond traditional business hours, allowing for notarization at any time, from anywhere in the world, breaking down geographical and time barriers. 

On this Notary Public Day, we at Secured Signing extend our gratitude to notaries everywhere. 

Thank you for your steadfast dedication to safeguarding trust and truth in every transaction. Here’s to you and the continued advancement of this historic, essential profession!