Most everyone wants to be on the top of their game. So what separates the top notch 1% notaries?
The fact is most of it is simple. And attention to detail just takes some patience and determination.
Read MoreThe Invisible Employee
Why is Sunshine Signing your invisible employee and what benefits does it have for your business?
Our professional service works for you around the clock, fills the workload you need seamlessly, and at the end of the day saves you money. We can be relied upon and streamline your workflow, taking another important, but mundane task off of your workload.
Read MoreThe Friday Crisis
The busiest, most important and challenging day of the week. Expectations don’t change, they just speed up the schedule.
But, how does a title company deal with the Friday crisis?
Read MoreThe High Cost of a No Show
The dreaded no-show.
It is unnecessary in this day and age. With all the options for a notary at your fingertips you should be able to perform any closing.
Whether you need a wet signature to seal up the docs, or you can go online, you can expect Sunshine Signing to be there for you. With our vast network of mobile notaries, as well as our expertise and ability to to perform online signings, you can rest assured we have you covered.
And the plain fact is no-shows cost you money, and gives a hit to your business’s reputation. There is not a situation you want to be caught with one.
Read MoreWhy Use Sunshine for Your Remote Online Notarization Signings
So you are looking to do a Remote Online Notarization, otherwise known as RON. These signings are becoming more popular, as they are allowed for certain signings and are more convenient to some signers.
But, why should you use Sunshine Signing for your next Remote Online Notarization? Besides the fact our reputation precedes us? Let’s look at some.
Read MoreJacy Todd Found Guilty, Asks for Pardon
March 2026
Well, by now we assume you’ve heard about Todd Jacy, the now former Nebraska notary charged with improper conduct regarding a medical marijuana initiative. He was found guilty of 23 charges of official misconduct and 1 count of making a false statement under oath.
His case has sparked a firestorm in Nebraska, with both his criminal trial, but also a newer case that went all the way to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Read MoreDon’t Use Social Media for Nefarious Reasons
This one seems pretty simple, I mean everyone should know this, right.
Apparently not.
Do We Really Have to Remind People
We’re really not going to delve into any of the many notary scams running around right now. We’re just telling you to make sure you are not involved in one.
Remember, everything is saved. People take screenshots. The social media company preserves everything, even things you have deleted. They just don’t show publicly, but they are there. And this will come back to bite you in the future.
It may not be today or tomorrow, but it is coming.
Vet Who You Work With, and Let Others Know
Firstly, let your notary friends and clients know to keep an eye out for this stuff.
Before you friend someone, or reply to a direct message, ask yourself this. Does it sound too good to be true? Is there a way I can verify the veracity of this person?
If the answer is no, ignore or report it.
You don’t want to be following someone, or even liking a post, unless you know who and what you are dealing with.
And yes, this goes for your personal account as well. A lot of people can connect the company to the person. In effect, assume your personal posts are being watched as well.
Social Media Don’ts
- Don’t friend or follow anyone you don’t know.
- Don’t post anything that is a legal document. It may sound nice to post your signature, or a client’s. Don’t. If you do post your signature, make sure that is all it is (not a legal document). And make sure to identify it as such. We’d imagine we might see that more with new notaries, but experienced ones should be reminded as well.
- Don’t post anything political, even personally. There is nothing dumber than alienating half of your potential client base. A couple of second lapse could be damaging.
- Don’t post just to post. Have a good reason to post. Each social network has it’s own schedule, so make sure you can post across channels. You can write out topics you think should be great to use in the upcoming months, or you can ask AI what the most common notary prompts are.
- Don’t cross promote your business and personal accounts. Chances are you might have a lot of unrelated stuff in your personal account, and you don’t want to send visitors away. If you have someone who is really interested in your services, send them the work url in a direct message.
- Don’t use hashtags for the sake of using hashtags. A post should have only 1-3 hashtags. Any more than one should be relevant to the topic. Think About it. No one is searching for #MyCompany. We’d rather see on hashtag that is a little fun like #NotaryToTheRescue or #AnotherSuccessfulSigning. Don’t be afraid to be a little whimsical, as long as it goes along with your post.
Social Media Do’s
Well, it is time to get to the good stuff:
- Do make legitimate friends and expand your network. When you post it looks more important and is spread to the right people.
- Do post on a schedule with topics that match best practices for each social media network. So we might go to AI and ask “When should I post on Facebook and what topics should I post?” You might be surprised the right time to post and what topics are most popular. Now you can painfully put into your calendar or ask for a new prompt. “Please put the Facebook and LinkedIn posting schedule on a 2026 map in pdf format so I can download it.” You’d be amazed at what you can type in and get a response to.
- Do use photos. Why not a photo with a client (not the signer, more like the title company). “Another great closing with the people of Sample Title Company.”
- Do mention other accounts when Germaine, like the example above. “Another great closing with @SampleTitleCompany.” This will give you more visibility and spread the love to someone who deserves it.
- If you have the skill, look at a meme. There are plenty of meme making websites on the internet. Keep in your lane, but have some fun. Memes have been around for a long time now, but people still love them. They create great engagement.
So simply, keep it sanitized, post on a schedule, and use your imagination a little. This is what it takes to thrive on social media.
Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service
Sunshine Signing provides nationwide mobile notary and Remote Online Notarization (RON) services backed by 20 years of trusted experience in the title industry.
Or Call us at (727) 817-0000
Indiana Candidates Refile Documents Due to Notary Issues
Feb. 2026
Some candidates for public office in Indiana will, or already have, updated documents to be properly notarized.
That is the word from the Secretary of State’s office.
Here are the basics. Candidates filed with properly notarized documents. But, they made amendments to the filing that were not properly notarized. This has lead to some candidates having to have amendments properly notarized.
Would It End In Court?
Yes, probably.
Advocates have called into question whether the opponent’s challenge of a candidate’s documents would be valid. The law is rigid, in that it requires the notarizations, but it also has a lot of leeway for the Secretary of State’s office to accept documents they believe to be valid.
In any case, the Secretary of State’s office said they followed all procedures. Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales’s office had a response to the issue:
Candidates should be assured that the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office takes every precaution necessary to guarantee candidate filing paperwork is completed according to Indiana law,” Morales said in the statement. “As Indiana’s chief election officer, I will continue serving Hoosiers and not allow misleading reports to discredit confidence in our state’s election process.
Completing the Process
As ballot seekers raced to complete paperwork, the biggest reason cited was not allowing their opponent to challenge.
One State Senator called it annoying.
Still, others came to re-file with a more positive spirit.
Late filers had an advantage.
Two days before the deadline, and new paperwork was still rolling in. But, most of these candidates had heard of the fuss and properly notarized all of their documents before submitting their paperwork.
A state Senator remarked that people have to ensure that everything is done diligently and properly.
To Wrap Up
The Secretary of State’s office kerfuffle looks to have been solved by following the law to the letter. Legal challenges to candidates’ filing status should be averted.
But, the Secretary of State’s office points to a previous law challenge that complicated the situation for some, specifically in Lake County. Lake County requires all potential candidates to apply in person at the county office.
Staff used to be able to notarize documents in the building, but an office move led to a lawsuit. It alleged that county personnel that are notaries should not be able to notarize documents.
It did not succeed, but the office went through some confusion during the lawsuit. The court ended up ruling in favor of the Lake County Clerk’s Office.
For their part, the Lake County Clerk’s Office has moved to avert any confusion. It has been conveyed to employees that they may also become notaries. They already have half a dozen on staff.
Hey, we’re always for documents being signed correctly. So, we don’t see how this ended in any other outcome ended in “Use a Notary”!
Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service
Sunshine Signing provides nationwide mobile notary and Remote Online Notarization (RON) services backed by 20 years of trusted experience in the title industry.
Or Call us at (727) 817-0000
Maine Notaries Warned of Scammers
Jan 2026
We missed this when it was first released in October, but it is still ongoing so it is still a good idea to remind everyone. While this is currently happening in Maine, there is no reason it will not spread to other states that are vulnerable.
The Maine Secretary of State gave a warning of current scams targeting notaries, including those acting as wedding officiants.
The “Maine Scam”
Beware of over payments.
So this is how it goes. Client hires you to do a signing. Everything goes fine until after the signing.
The trick comes when you get paid. The client pays you too much money for the signing. Then they inevitably ask for you to refund the over payment. This is red flag #1.
Anyways, being the honest business person you are, you gladly refund the money. But, a bad surprise awaits. Your original payment either bounces or if digital, the payment is withdrawn.
Now you are out of the money for your services, but also for the refund.
So What Do I Do?
“I urge anyone who receives an “overpayment” for services to be vigilant,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “Refuse the initial payment and ask that they resend it in the proper amount or wait for the payment to clear before any refund is sent. And if you accept digital payments, make sure you understand the policies of the platform you use. If you were scammed out of any money, contact your local law enforcement.”
So, it seems like we need to do a couple of things.
If someone overpays, refuse it. Request payment in the proper amount. It can quickly turn into a game of three card monte. And we know you always lose that game. Make sure your red flag alert is in full gear still.
We think the more important part is to make sure you got paid for your services before you deal with the potential scammer again. Make sure the money is in your account. And make sure you have all your ducks in a row when it comes with your payment service.
It was re-iterated that if you are being hussled or have already been scammed, contact your local law enforcement, which seems pretty obvious to us.
Always Protect Yourself
We always preach to protect yourself during signings. Ensure the signer is who they say they are, and not acting under distress. Make sure all of the documents are lined up and no information is missing. Make sure to keep your log up to date, etc.
Well, protect yourself for payments as well. Stay on top of it. Make sure you have the money.
And Beware of Over Payments.
Background Checks Headline Changes for Notaries in Oklahoma
January 2026
A new year brings in a few changes to notarial laws in Oklahoma. Background checks have dominated local conversation, but there are several fee changes that are of note, as well as the requirements for the notaries’ bond.
As states continue to bring notary fees into the 21st century, as well as a little extra cash for the coffers, notaries across a variety of states have been hit by higher initial and renewal fees. This is now the case in Oklahoma, where fees have more than doubled with the new rules changes.
The overall difference in many cases is not that much, but either way, it is going to be a cost of business to run your notary venture.
Here is a link to SB1028.
Background Checks
A national database background check will apply to all new applicants and renewals. While it is the case that Oklahoma notaries have always had a felony prevent them from being a notary, it appears the search for a case will now become more thorough.
The system is electronic, and allows a prospective or established notary to deliver their fingerprint by digital means. No information in the bill explains this process.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation will have 14 days from receipt to submit the results of the background check to the Secretary of State.
A felony conviction shall be grounds for removal of a person from the office of notary public and shall
preclude a person from further applying for or renewing a notary commission.
Fee Changes
Before we start with fee changes, let’s touch the bond really quickly. The required bond with the state used to be, $1,000. It now rises to $10,000.
The fee for your background check is a new one, as that is new to the system. You may be charged $50 or the cost of the background check. Whichever cost is lower.
Other Fee Changes
- Someone filing for a new notary commission will now pay $50 instead of $25.
- Notary renewals jump from $20 to $45
- If you use same day filing service shall pay $50 instead of $25.
- The filing fee for filing for your bond jumps to $25 from $10.
These funds shall be deposited in the Revolving Fund revolving fund created for the Secretary of State pursuant to the provisions of Section 276.1 of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
The bill is pretty short and sweet.
The original bill wasn’t very long and these changes don’t change it that much. The federal background check sounds like a big change, but it really only affects rules that are already in effect, just in a more thorough manner.
And as we see fees rise across the country, it is no shock they would bind their way to Oklahoma.
Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service
Sunshine Signing provides nationwide mobile notary and Remote Online Notarization (RON) services backed by 20 years of trusted experience in the title industry.