In 2020, Covid-19 has caused a slew of changes to every profession across every industry. During these varying levels of restrictions and lockdowns that span differently across all 50 states within the United States of America, questions have been popping up regarding the notary public profession.
Are notaries public considered an essential business?
Can I get a document notarized during a lockdown?
Can a notary public come to me to notarize a document?
As a notary public in the State of California, I can attest to the concerns surrounding the situation we are facing, but rest assured that the notary public profession is considered essential and safe as long as all county, state and federal safety and social distancing guidelines are followed.
A response taken directly from the California SOS reads as follows:
California notaries public are not prohibited from performing a notarial act during a shelter in place order. However, preservation of the public health and safety of Californians, including all notaries public, is of the utmost concern so it is recommended that each notary public continue to stay apprised of and operate under any health directives from the Department of Public Health as the situation raised by the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid.
As expected, the health and safety of everyone involved is of the utmost importance. That includes both the notary public and the signers involved. The California SOS further clarifies
The Secretary of State will not take action against a notary for having entries in their notary journal during this state of emergency provided the notary otherwise is complying with their notarial duties.
Bear in mind that this is just the current situation in California, and not only do guidelines vary state-to-state, but the Covid-19 situation and subsequent levels of restrictions and lockdowns are constantly in flux.
Truthfully, now more than ever it is important that we as notaries public safely perform our duties as civil servants to our fellow community members. Whether it requires us to help sign loan documents for people who are trying to lower their mortgage payments to cut down on monthly expenses, or to help people get their living trusts finalized just in case anything were to happen - we have a duty to help our neighbors, and we take that duty very seriously.
As always, stay safe and keep up to date with your own local guidelines regarding the notary public profession to ensure we get through the impacts of Covid-19 together