New Notary Law Improves ID Standards in Pennsylvania; Many US States and Territories Still Deficient in ID Standards, says National Notary Association.

Business Editors

CHATSWORTH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2003

As 2002 concluded with the largest case of identity theft in the nation's history, Pennsylvania passed new legislation to assist its Notaries Public in combating fraud through tougher statutory identification standards for document signers. Act 151-2002, the first major change to Pennsylvania Notary law in 50 years, comes on the heels of a nationwide audit by the National Notary Association (NNA(R)) revealing that many states' statutory ID guidelines remain deficient -- with 15 states or US territories providing no ID standards for their Notaries.

"We commend the Commonwealth for recognizing the need to strengthen its Notary laws and significantly update how Notaries operate within the state," said Charles N. Faerber, Vice President of Notary Affairs at the NNA(R). "In particular, the new stipulations for an acceptable ID and an acceptable credible witness will give Notaries greater leverage in screening for imposters. Considering heightened national security concerns in the wake of September 11, this will not only protect the public from fraud, it may also save lives."

Act 151-2002, which takes effect July 1, 2003, also mandates a new educational requirement for all renewing and first-time applicants for a Notary commission in Pennsylvania. The new law allows non-residents who work in Pennsylvania to apply for a Notary commission.

In September 2002, the NNA(R) released an audit of Notary statutes that indicated 42 of 55 states and US territories hadn't updated their identification standards in at least 15 years. State ID rules have become so lax that 19 terrorists in 2001 were able to board airplanes using false identities created through fraudulent IDs and fake Social Security numbers. In response to the need to modernize state statutes, the NNA(R) has released the Model Notary Act of 2002 to encourage a more proactive role for the nation's 4.5 million Notaries in deterring imposters. The MNA proposes strict identification standards and recommends that Notary registers contain the signature and thumbprint of every document signer to aid in the prosecution of forgers.

"There is still more work to be done in Pennsylvania," added Faerber. "We strongly encourage added security measures including a requirement for each document signer to affix a thumbprint in the Notary's official register. This will serve to further strengthen the new law and better help Notaries fulfill their obligations to protect the public against fraud."

The NNA(R) will be sponsoring symposiums on the new law in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. For dates and registration, call toll-free 1-877-896-6827.

For more than 45 years, the NNA(R) has been the leading resource for Notary education, service and advocacy in the United States. With more than 200,000 members it is the nation's preeminent organization providing professional support services to Notaries. For more information regarding the Model Notary Act of 2002 or "An Appraisal of State Notary Statutes Post 9/11," please contact Lori Putnam at [e-mail] or visit www.nationalnotary.org.