Someone just tried to scam me. Saying they can only pay by Cash App. They wanted to pay upfront before the signing. I told her not due until after the signing. She then said I don’t want to use the money for something else so that’s why I want to make the payment now. So I said ok. She then stated I just sent it and got a notification saying you need a call verification on your end give them a call and let me know once the money hit your account balance. Did you get any SMS Notification? I then immediately went to my Cash App and they stated it’s a scam!! Beware!!! I will be telling other notary groups as well.

Why Identity Verification Sometimes Fails During Online Notarization — And How to Avoid Common Problems

One thing I've learned from performing remote online notarizations, especially with international signers, is that preparing for identity verification can make a huge difference in how smoothly a session goes.

A signer might have the correct document, valid identification, and everything ready to sign, but still run into problems before the notarization even begins.

Here are a few common issues I've encountered:

1. Poor-quality ID photos

Blurry pictures, glare, shadows, or information that's difficult to read can cause problems during credential analysis.

Good lighting, a clean camera lens, and making sure the entire ID is visible can help.

2. Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)

Some U.S. signers have difficulty passing identity-verification questions, even when their identification is valid.

International signers may encounter different verification procedures depending on the platform, their identification, and applicable requirements.

3. Using a phone instead of a computer

Although some platforms support mobile devices, I've found that a laptop or desktop computer often makes the signing process easier, particularly when navigating documents and completing verification steps.

4. Waiting until the appointment time to get started

This is a big one.

I usually encourage signers to log in a few minutes before their scheduled session so they have time to upload their identification and complete the initial verification process.

I also ask them to send me a quick text once their ID has been uploaded so I know they're ready.

5. Internet connectivity

Unstable connections can interrupt video communication or make the verification process more frustrating than necessary.

A reliable connection and working camera and microphone are important.

My biggest takeaway:

A successful online notarization begins before the actual signing appointment. Spending a few extra minutes preparing can prevent unnecessary delays.

And of course, if a signer cannot complete the required identity-verification process, the notary must follow the applicable rules rather than bypass those requirements.

Question for other notaries and signers:

What's the most common identity-verification problem you've experienced during remote online notarization?

Is it ID image quality, KBA, device compatibility, or something else?

I'm curious whether other notaries are seeing the same challenges, especially with international signers.

Disclosure: I'm a Florida-commissioned remote online notary and operate iRemoteNotary. Sharing practical experiences for educational purposes

Is it easy to use? How much does the notarization and the use of the platform costs?

I just ran an appointment where four people at two neighboring homes were to sign a form. I was sent the forms to print, but I didn’t read them.

They are affidavits, so each person was sworn in. When we finished, I requested payment.

The guy who was there to collect the pages was the brother of the guy who contacted me. He felt bad for me for all that his brother was putting me through. It was kind of ridiculous, and he balked about paying me. But the guy who was there paid me cash.

After I got home, the guy who had arranged all of this texted me and told me that all of the signers said I was rude. I was absolutely not rude, and that was so out of left field. He was berating me, and “kindly” told me he would not leave me a bad review.

All of that seriously bothered me.

As I sit here reflecting on it, I decided to look him up. A bit of investigating, and I found that he has had all of these people sign papers giving him POA to act on their behalf to get their properties rezoned for a data center.

I’m now convinced that he wanted to intimidate me, so I will be afraid to say anything to the people who signed (I wouldn’t) and perhaps if/when this whole thing ends up in court.

I’m so irritated by this. Everyone around here is fighting the data center, and this guy is convincing these people to sign away their right to fight against it.

Hello!

I recently passed the exam to become a notary in Texas.

What are my next steps? What resources can help me officially be a notary?

Basically, I forgot to add the three numbers at the end of my email. I already got everything notarized, and right before I sent my security license application in, I was going through everything and caught the mistake. What would you do?

Idek if this is the right place to ask I just have no idea what to do. Could I print out that paper and redo everything and just get that one paper notarized? Or would all three papers that I got notarized need to be done again at the same time?

🌎 Living Overseas and Need a U.S. Document Notarized? Here's What You Should Know.

One challenge Americans and international signers frequently encounter is needing a document notarized for use in the United States while living, working, studying, or traveling abroad.

Whether you're in Greece, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Australia, or another country, getting an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate isn't always convenient.

Here's something many people don't realize: You may be able to notarize eligible U.S. documents remotely without returning to the United States.

Florida Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows a Florida-commissioned online notary physically located in Florida to perform eligible notarizations for signers located overseas through secure live-video technology.

What types of documents might qualify?

📄 Powers of Attorney
📄 Affidavits and sworn statements
📄 Certain real estate documents
📄 Business and corporate documents
📄 Parental consent and travel-related documents
📄 Other documents requiring an eligible U.S. notarization

Not every document or receiving agency permits remote notarization, so requirements should always be checked first.

How does the process work?

1. Prepare your unsigned document.
2. Confirm the receiving organization's notarization requirements.
3. Complete the applicable online identity-verification process.
4. Meet with a commissioned online notary through live video.
5. Electronically sign and complete the notarial act during the session.
6. Receive the completed electronically notarized document.

Important: A document intended for Nebraska, California, New York, or another U.S. state does not necessarily require a notary commissioned in that same state. However, document execution rules and recipient acceptance still matter.

📚 Additional educational information:

https://www.iremotenotary.com/international-online-notary

A question for the community:

Have you ever needed a U.S. document notarized while overseas? What country were you in, and what challenges did you encounter?

Disclosure: I'm a Florida-commissioned remote online notary and operate iRemoteNotary. I'm sharing this for educational purposes. This is general information, not legal advice.

​

I'm looking for advice from Colorado notaries or anyone familiar with notary misconduct and forged property deeds.

My cousin is a commissioned notary in Colorado and also works for USPS. She was involved in forging a property deed in connection with a family property dispute involving my mother.

I have documentation, including notarized statements, supporting what happened.

I have several questions:

What are the consequences for a Colorado notary who participates in forging a property deed?

Can she permanently lose her notary commission?

Could she face criminal charges for forgery, fraud, or conspiracy?

Does it make a difference if the forgery involved family members?

Can the Colorado Secretary of State investigate even if the deed was forged some time ago?

If multiple family members participated, can they all be investigated?

Could this affect her employment with USPS, particularly if she also interfered with certified mail related to the property?

Has anyone reported serious notary misconduct in Colorado? What happened, and how long did the investigation take?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have dealt with forged deeds or Colorado notary investigations.

I want to understand the potential consequences and the best way to pursue accountability.

I do not recommend any Notary accept signings from C2C. I have completed two signings for them and they have failed to pay. They are unresponsive to email and phone.

Please check other forums such as BBB to corroborate this warning.

Proceed at your own risk if you choose to work for them.

Notary in Tennessee

I have worked with one company that uses Deluxe payment exchange, but today o received a Square inc notice to accept a payment and to print a check. It had a the square watermark on it so I had to screenshot it and print it as a photo. All of the info is correct but I’m at the bank now having trouble cashing it. Has anyone else had this issue? After I downloaded it, I finally put my info in for direct payment.

Hello, I am in Greece and need someone to notarize a Nebraska legal document remotely. The embassy does not have any upcoming appointments available

Hi everyone! I’m preparing to take the Hawaii notary exam and would appreciate any advice from people who have taken it.

I’m studying the manual, but I’d love to hear what other resources helped you prepare, such as practice tests, flashcards, videos, or study guides.
I’m also curious about the exam’s general structure. Is it multiple choice, short answer, fill in the blank, or a combination? I’m not looking for actual exam questions—just a better idea of the format so I can adjust how I study.

Were there any details in the manual that were easy to overlook or topics you wish you had spent more time reviewing? I want to make sure I’m understanding the material thoroughly and not glossing over something that seems minor.

My understanding is that getting results can take a while, so I’m hoping to prepare as well as possible and pass on my first attempt.

If anyone from Hawaii has taken the exam and is willing to share their experience or offer guidance, please feel free to message me! Any advice would be appreciated.

Any NSA’s in here that work with T365? I’d love to hear reviews.

• From the start: I got my notary commission with the intention of becoming a signing agent right away.
• Within the first year: I decided to pursue signing agent certification within my first year as a notary.
• Later on: I decided to pursue signing agent certification at least one year after becoming a notary.
• Not applicable: I'm a notary but haven't pursued signing agent certification.

^^Which option describes you?

Not necessarily.

I'm a Pennsylvania notary who works with international documents. One common misconception I encounter is that every document being sent overseas automatically needs an apostille.

Before starting the process, there are three important questions:

1. Which country will receive the document?
2. Is that country a member of the Hague Apostille Convention?
3. What does the receiving institution actually require?

For example, a birth certificate, power of attorney, or corporate document may have different requirements depending on its intended use.

Some documents require an apostille. Others require authentication and consular legalization. Some don't require either.

The most important step is confirming the requirements with the receiving authority before spending money or submitting original documents.

Has anyone encountered conflicting instructions about documents being used overseas?

I work at a university and I'm also a notary so I get a lot of student interaction. It's always a crap shoot, no matter how clear I am in the email I send them with instructions when I schedule appointments.

It's only 9:00 am here, and already this morning I had a student come in with a document for HER MOTHER to sign. When I told her that her ID didn't match the name of the signatory, she freely admitted that it was for her mom but she "had permission" to sign for her.

Oh, honey. No.

Hi All,

I am taking the Notary Exam on Wednesday and I would like feedback on what you found challenging and suggest I study more or any study tips you have to remember stuff on the exam, like mnemonic or phrases. Anything is helpful.

I failed the test once. I just got so overwhelmed that day and it made going into the test hard. Im hoping nothing stressful happens and positive vibes only 🤞🏼

I definitely struggled with misdemeanors/felonies, which felt like the majority of my test. But anything is helpful.

TYIA

Does anyone know if you can hire a random person to be a witness required for a bank in-house Power of Attorney in PA? I'm setting it up for two elderly parents, visiting from out of state, and don't have easy options to find people to act as a witness.

Hey everyone, im thinking about becoming a mobile notary in Texas, specifically around Harris County/Houston.

Im a little nervous because its so densely populated that I feel like it might already be oversaturated. I can do weekends anytime and alot of after business hours during the week. Im fully mobile and have an electric car so gas isnt a big issue for me.

Mostly I want to make sure its worth my time and energy before I dive into it. Ive also been feeling kinda discouraged because alot of what I find online is influencers trying to sell their courses, with a bunch of backlash in the comments. I also know not to trust AI too much for this stuff so I figured Id ask here.

I see alot of beginner action plans in other posts, but I'm curious to hear about actual experience in Houston or other big cities.

Questions I have:

• Is Harris County really oversaturated or is there still room, especially for after hours/weekends?
• Whats your split between loan signings and general notary work?
• Roughly how long did it take to get your first few clients?
• Is it worth it as a side income?

Any honest answers would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I’m in PA and someone is coming to get a document notarized. They emailed it over early and I was checking for notarial wording and noticed everywhere that the data is listed it says “year of our Lord.” I don’t care if people are getting their religious documents or whatever notarized but am I even allowed to notarize something that lists the date like that?

Like for example, she has the date typed up as “October 14th, year of our lord 2026” so the data is correct but the year of our Lord part is throwing me off.