LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/09/07 -- One of the most comprehensive and significant Notary law revisions of the past half century will take effect in Virginia beginning July 1, 2007. In response, the National Notary Association (NNA) will provide a series of educational seminars to explain the practical impact of this law, and provide support to the state's 145,000 Notaries in their efforts to comply.

Enacted by the General Assembly in March through House Bill 2058 and Senate Bill 826, the new law not only establishes new rules and procedures for paper-based notarizations that are effective this coming July -- it also creates new rules and regulations for electronic notarizations that take effect July 1, 2008. The NNA provided expertise on notarization to the multi-agency committee that drafted the legislation.

"Virginia should be commended for passing such comprehensive Notary legislation," said NNA Executive Director Timothy S. Reiniger. "Adopting rules for both paper-based notarization and electronic notarization displays a commitment to the importance of Notaries in the state, and has made Virginia a model example for other states wishing to adopt electronic provisions and make much-needed clarifications to their Notary standards," Reiniger said.

Among the law's many provisions taking effect July 1, 2007:

--  A requirement that Notaries affix the impression of a photographically
    reproducible seal of office on each paper document notarized.
--  A prohibition against notarizing a signature on a document without
    notarial certificate wording on the same page as the signature, effectively
    ruling out attachment of "loose" certificates.
--  Twenty new definitions of terms, including definitions for
    "satisfactory evidence of identity," "personal knowledge of identity,"
    "credible witness," and "copy certification."
--  Prohibitions against performing an official act with the intent to
    deceive or defraud, including using the Notary's seal or title to endorse
    any product, service, contest or candidate, and against signing or sealing
    an incomplete certificate.
--  When identifying a document signer, the law allows notaries to rely
    either on one personally known credible witness, or on two credible
    witnesses who present satisfactory ID documents.
    

Location and dates of the NNA seminars are as follows:

--  June 13 - Holiday Inn Washington Dulles Airport, Dulles, VA.
--  June 14 - Hilton Crystal City, Arlington, VA
--  June 15 - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Richmond, VA
--  June 19 - Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Exec. Ctr, Virginia Beach, VA
--  June 20 - Radisson Hotel Norfolk, Norfolk, VA
--  June 21 - Embassy Suites, Hampton, VA
--  June 28 - Double Tree Hotel, Arlington, VA
--  June 29 - Double Tree Hotel, Charlottesville, VA
--  June 30 - Holiday Inn, Roanoke, VA
--  July 10 - Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Exec. Ctr, Virginia Beach, VA
--  July 11 - Sheraton Richmond West Hotel, Richmond, VA
--  July 12 - Waterford at Springfield, Springfield, VA
    

In addition to teaching the provisions of the new law, each seminar also reviews the fundamentals of notarization. More information can be found by calling the NNA at 1-800-876-6827, or by visiting the NNA's website, www.nationalnotary.org .

The NNA: Setting the Standard for America's Professional Notary

Founded in 1957, the National Notary Association (NNA) is committed to the professional development of Notaries throughout the United States by providing education, support and advocacy. The NNA also educates lawmakers, businesses and state officials on best notarial practices, and leads efforts to make necessary changes in the state and federal statutory framework. With a membership of 300,000, the Association offers federally accredited Notary education programs.

CONTACT:
Joe Cadelago
National Notary Association
jcadelago@nationalnotary.org
818-739-4024