Accidentally running into legal issues may be easier than you think. Here are five common mistakes you should avoid as a notary: 

1. FAILING TO REQUIRE A SIGNER TO PERSONALLY APPEAR
   Notarizing without a signer’s personal appearance is a violation of law in every state and territory, and can result in major financial and legal penalties. This is a major violation in every State and can lead to suspension of your license.  

2. NOT KEEPING PROPER RECORDS IN A JOURNAL
   A properly maintained journal provides you protection if someone makes a claim against you. Ensure that all records are detailed enough to describe the signing without revealing non-public private information. 

3. FAILING TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY A SIGNER 
   Unless the signer personally appears and presents a valid ID, the Notary just cannot do the notarization. Not identifying a signer properly can result in fraud or you being sued. 

4. INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE NOTARY CERTIFICATE
   While incorrect or forgotten information on certificates is often done accidentally, it’s a situation that can cause major headaches for a signer and trouble for Notaries if a problem with a document results. 

5. LOSING YOUR NOTARY SEAL
   Letting others use your Notary seal or not properly securing your seal can cause it falling into the wrong hands, resulting in fraud. Don’t risk losing your license by this simple mistake.