The American Society of Notaries (ASN) is the oldest national nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to serving the needs of notaries public. Founded in 1965, the ASN provides education, resources, and support to notaries to ensure they perform their duties in accordance with state laws and ethical standards. The organization's primary goal is to promote excellence, professionalism, and integrity in the notarial profession.
Key Features and Services of the American Society of Notaries:
1. Education and Training:
- Offers state-specific notary education tailored to meet the requirements of each state's notarial laws.
- Provides online courses and workshops to help notaries develop a thorough understanding of their responsibilities.
- Publishes educational materials such as handbooks, guides, and newsletters to ensure notaries stay informed about updates and best practices.
2. Professional Resources:
- Supplies notary tools such as seals, journals, and stamps required for performing notarial acts.
- Provides access to state-specific information about notarial duties, legal requirements, and procedural guidelines.
- Publishes an annual reference guide called the "Notary Law Primer" for various states, a trusted resource for notaries nationwide.
3. Advocacy and Leadership:
- Advocates for notaries at the state level to support fair and consistent notarial practices.
- Promotes ethical standards and professionalism within the notarial community.
4. Membership Benefits:
- Members of the ASN receive discounts on training programs, notary supplies, and insurance products such as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
- Offers members access to a toll-free hotline for personalized assistance with notarial questions or issues.
5. Insurance and Bonding Services:
- Facilitates the purchase of notary surety bonds (required in some states) and E&O insurance to protect notaries from liability due to errors or omissions in their duties.
6. Support for New and Experienced Notaries:
- Provides guidance to those seeking to become notaries public, including application instructions and requirements.
- Offers continued support to seasoned notaries to help them navigate new regulations and technological changes, such as Remote Online Notarization (RON).
Mission of the American Society of Notaries:
The ASN is committed to promoting ethical notarial practices, enhancing the competence of notaries, and supporting their critical role in preventing fraud and maintaining the integrity of official transactions.
Who Can Benefit from the ASN?
- New Notaries: For those beginning their notarial careers, ASN offers education and tools to get started.
- Experienced Notaries: Provides ongoing education and resources to help maintain compliance with changing laws.
- Businesses: Corporations that rely on in-house notaries can access training and resources for their employees.
The American Society of Notaries (ASN) is the oldest national nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to serving the needs of notaries public. Founded in 1965, the ASN provides education, resources, and support to notaries to ensure they perform their duties in accordance with state laws and ethical standards. The organization's primary goal is to promote excellence, professionalism, and integrity in the notarial profession.
Importance of the ASN:
The ASN plays a vital role in helping notaries understand their responsibilities, comply with state laws, and perform their duties effectively. It also fosters professionalism and ethical behavior, ensuring that notaries remain trusted public officials in their communities.
For more information, visit the American Society of Notaries' official website