Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Share
Business Profile

Notary Public

National Notary Association

Reviews

Customer Review Ratings

1.2/5 stars

Average of 25 Customer Reviews

Want to share your experience?

Leave a Review

Review Details

  • Review fromMyrtle H

    Date: 03/30/2025

    1 star

    Myrtle H

    Date: 03/30/2025

    Wow !!! These reviews are very disheartening to read ! I am a Notary about to pursue taking courses on the loan signing process and was just looking into what the National Association does and how it may be beneficial to become a member. After reading these reviews I am having serious concerns about being a part of such a horrible reviewed Association. My goodness, there is NOT one good review in the past 2 years and that speaks volumes to your credibility as a professional entity. Is there no one in this organization concerned enough to try to curb these outlandish ******************* and preserve some semblance of professionalism so that those current and future members are treated with respect, dignity, helpful and courteous professionalism? I am a professional R.E. Broker and I have never been a part of any organization that is geared to public welfare that has such a terrible review by the members themselves!! Just WOW!!! I'm now at a loss of how to proceed on my Notary ************** journey. Having such a dysfunctional relationship in my future career move is not what I look forward to experiencing. I sincerely hope that these reviews are taken seriously by someone in a position to address and correct these actions and improve this organizations performance towards its members.

    National Notary Association

    Date: 04/01/2025

    Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand your concerns regarding the reviews and appreciate the opportunity to address them. We take reviews and feedback seriously and always strive to improve the experiences of those who engage with us.If you are indeed looking into joining our association, we would be happy to provide more detailed information about the services and support we offer to professionals in the notary and loan signing fields. We encourage open dialogue and welcome any inquiries or questions you may have to help guide you in your decision.We are committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity, and we are continuously working to improve and address any feedback we receive from members and prospective members alike.Please feel free to reach out directly to us with any specific questions or concerns, and we would be happy to assist you in any way we can.Thank you again for your feedback, and we wish you the best of luck as you pursue your career in the notary signing field.
  • Review fromMarisa M

    Date: 03/06/2025

    1 star

    Marisa M

    Date: 03/06/2025

    I renewed my notary commission and used NNA again, as I used them when I first became a notary. When I initially used them 5 years ago, the process was seamless and I received my stamp timely without issue (4-6 weeks at most for the entire process). Unfortunately, after this renewal process, I will not use them again. OR if I do, apparently you need to apply 3-6 months before your commission expires if you want to receive your stamp before your commission expires. I initially applied for my renewal mid-December 2024 (my commission expired January 31, 2025). It is March 6, 2025 and I have not received my stamp. I sent an email to request when I should expect to receive my stamp and I received a response that I would receive it once the state issues my commission. My commission was issued on February 3, 2025 - OVER 30 DAYS AGO. This company is infuriatingly slow and unorganized. I maintain my notary commission for work and this delay and lack of clarity or urgency has caused significant business disruption.

    National Notary Association

    Date: 03/07/2025

    Thank you for sharing your feedback, and I sincerely apologize for the frustration you've experienced with the renewal of your notary commission. We fully understand the inconvenience this has caused, especially given your reliance on the stamp for business purposes.I would like to provide some clarification on the situation:Your renewal package was processed on December 16, 2024. However, it appears that we did not receive your Texas application from you, which contributed to the delay. This should have been flagged during our report checks, and we should have contacted you for an application, but unfortunately, it was overlooked.When you reached out on January 30, 2025, and January 31, 2025, to request the bond, we promptly provided it to you by February 3, 2025. At that point, you also received the necessary instructions to apply online.On February 6, 2025, you inquired about the status of your application. Unfortunately, at that time, we had not received the application yet, which delayed further processing.We noticed that you downloaded your Commission Certificate on February 28, 2025, and we immediately took action to release the stamp on March 6, 2025. Although there were some delays, I assure you that we treated your case with priority once we had all the necessary ************** addition, Texas implemented changes to its notary commission process in January 2025 allowing customers to directly apply online using their new SOS porta, which we are still working through, especially for customers who placed their orders prior to these changes. Unfortunately, these adjustments have caused some unexpected delays, and we are actively working to streamline the process moving ********** make up for the inconvenience, Ive put in a request for a refund of your Notary stamp and added one year of *** membership to your profile at no additional charge. We hope this will help to compensate for the disruption youve experienced.We value your feedback and your continued trust in our services. If you need any further assistance, please dont hesitate to reach out.Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience, and I appreciate your understanding.
  • Review fromStephanie G

    Date: 02/04/2025

    1 star

    Stephanie G

    Date: 02/04/2025

    ******** dishonest company! Sent in the notary renewal for my boss in September 2024 and they cashed the check for the renewal on October 1, 2024. As of February 2025 (current one expires on February 18th) we still hadn't received his new stamp, so I called them and was on hold for nearly 20 minutes, and then the call was disconnected. Luckily I had put in a call back number and they called me back. They claimed that he didn't fill out a portion of the application, which was a lie as I was looking at the copy of the application we sent and it was indeed filled out. They claimed they called our office and e-mailed my boss numerous times, which was also a lie. The woman had a very rude attitude about the whole thing and said his application was now "delinquent" and he would have to start over again. Apparently they were just going to keep our money anyway! I let them know we would be going with a different company and to refund our money. They claimed that the refund was processed, but I'll believe it when I see it!

    National Notary Association

    Date: 02/06/2025

    Dear *********,Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. I sincerely apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you've experienced with this process, and I understand how disappointing this situation has ******* order to investigate this matter and resolve it as quickly as possible, could you please provide us with your bosss name, NNA ID #, or the order number associated with the renewal? This will allow us to properly research what happened with the application and renewal process and address the issue more effectively.We value your feedback and are committed to resolving this issue to your satisfaction.Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from ******** regards,****** *****
  • Review fromNathan S

    Date: 01/12/2025

    1 star

    Nathan S

    Date: 01/12/2025

    Over the years, the *** has turned from a supportive notary organization into a pyramid scheme, prioritizing backroom deals with title companies over the well-being of notaries. Instead of advocating for fair compensation and ethical practices, the *** has contributed to market saturation and the normalization of exploitative behaviors that were unheard of two decades ago.Twenty years ago, notaries were well-compensated professionals, typically earning $100 for notarizing loan documents. Their role was clear: to notarize documents and prevent fraud, not to act as closers for title companies. Today, notaries are expected to take on additional responsibilitiesprinting and assembling loan packages, traveling to signings, and handling tasks that go well beyond traditional notarial dutiesfor as little as $40. The **** endorsement of these practices has driven fees to unsustainable levels, undermining the profession and turning it into a race to the ********** of the most harmful shifts encouraged by the *** is the idea that notaries should accept delayed payment terms or even risk non-payment. This was not the standard two decades ago when upfront payment was the norm. The **** messaging has misled notaries into thinking such practices are acceptable, further eroding the professions integrity. It is critical for notaries to understand that they are independent professionals, not representatives of title companies. Their primary role is to serve as impartial witnesses and protect signers from fraud, not to act as unpaid agents for other parties.The *** promotes the flawed notion that notaries represent title companies. This misrepresentation not only confuses the public but also pressures notaries into taking on responsibilities and liabilities that are not theirs to bear. Title companies should be paying notaries upfront for their work, not using strong-arm tactics to force them into roles that compromise their independence.

    National Notary Association

    Date: 01/15/2025

    Mr. ******** understand and appreciate your feedback about how the signing agent practice has changed over the decades in the title and mortgage finance industries. For clarity, the National Notary Association is not, and never has been, in a position to influence, endorse, promote, encourage or make backroom deals with companies in these industries. Over the last 20 years, the business practices, industry standards, and federal regulations in the lending and finance industries have evolved dramatically to improve protections for consumers and home buyers. During that time, the *** has strongly advocated for preserving and advancing the consumer protection role of the Notary Public (signing agent) in this process. If you would like to discuss these wide-ranging and highly detailed issues further, please contact ******* ******, VP of Communications, directly at *******************************************************
  • Review fromJose C

    Date: 12/01/2024

    1 star

    Jose C

    Date: 12/01/2024

    During the process of renewing the commission for a Notary Public, the National Notary Association could significantly enhance their service by offering customers various options for sending the ******************* Certificate. By allowing notaries to choose a mailing service based on their preferences, the organization can ensure better flexibility and ************* provide superior service, the mailing options should consider the following elements:Shape + Speed + Cost = ********************* services to include:Priority Mail Express For urgent delivery needs.Priority Mail A balance of speed and cost.First-Class Mail Economical for lighter items.USPS Ground Advantage-Retail (up to ****** oz) Cost-effective for small packages.Offering these options can help notaries avoid significant service interruptions. This flexibility is especially critical for notaries whose businesses depend on uninterrupted availability to serve their clients.

    National Notary Association

    Date: 12/03/2024

    Thank you for your valuable feedback regarding the mailing options for the ******************* Certificate. We appreciate your insights and understand how important flexibility and efficiency are for Notaries, especially when it comes to time-sensitive ************ the National Notary Association, we are committed to continuously improving our services. We recognize that offering a variety of mailing options, such as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and **** Ground Advantage, could provide Notaries with greater flexibility, allowing them to choose the best option based on their individual needs for speed, cost, and service.I will pass your suggestions along to our team for consideration as we explore ways to enhance our offerings. While we currently provide standard mailing options, your input will help guide our future improvements.Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us. We value your business and remain dedicated to providing Notaries with the best possible service. If you have any further suggestions or concerns, please dont hesitate to reach out.
  • Review fromRita L

    Date: 07/16/2024

    1 star
    ************************* was the rudest, most unprofessional person Ive ever dealt with. I cant believe the National Notary Association would hire someone of her stature. She is a terrible representation of this company! Shame on you *************************
  • Review fromKyle L

    Date: 04/15/2024

    1 star

    Kyle L

    Date: 04/15/2024

    Frustrating would be an understatement. I ordered my Surety Bond through National Notary on 2/6/24; as of date (4/15/24) they've evidently "sent" the bond 3X to 2 different addresses... none have ever been received. I have serious doubts that the bond was ever actually sent, and have yet to get a substantive response from them, despite reaching out weekly. 10/10 would NOT recommend relying on this company.

    National Notary Association

    Date: 04/16/2024

    We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and frustration you've experienced obtaining your Surety Bond through the National Notary. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. After reviewing the sequence of events, it's evident that there were discrepancies in the address where the bond was initially sent, which led to the misdirection of the bond. We understand how crucial this document is for you, and we deeply regret any inconvenience caused by these errors.We received your order on January 29, 2024, through our website, with the shipping address specified. You submitted the required paperwork as a downloadable form on the same day. However, in order for us to process your bond, we need them in a Word Doc format. We kindly requested the documents to be provided in Word Doc format to proceed with processing the bond. Subsequently, on February 1, 2024, we emailed you advising you to send the bond form and commission letter in Word Doc format. Your response, containing the necessary documents, was received on February 6, 2024.Upon processing your submission, we prepared the bond on February 8, 2024. It's important to note that we prepared the bond using the street address with Eye in the street name rather than I because we noticed the I was spelled out as EYE in the signature line of the email that you sent on February 6, 2024. We mistakenly utilized the address, thinking it was the correct address to use. On February 8, 2024, the first bond was mailed to the incorrect address.On February 26, 2024, a request was created to correct the address from ********. It was corrected and mailed the same day.On March 8, 2024, you gave us a different shipping address, and a request was made to resend the bond since you had yet to revive the previous two bonds we sent. On April 15, 2024, you called in, stating you had still not received the bond, and an expedited request was made to send the bond to the original address including I in the street name.. We understand the importance of this document and apologize for any inconvenience caused by delivery delays and errors. We are committed to resolving this matter quickly and ensuring you receive your Surety Bond without further delay.We will be refunding the order in full for the inconvenience caused. If you need any more help or have additional concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.Thank you for your understanding and patience.
  • Review fromElisabeth D

    Date: 03/28/2024

    1 star

    Elisabeth D

    Date: 03/28/2024

    I received my SOS packet with passing exam notification and notary certificate on February 22, 2024. I placed my 1st call to the **** on February 26th regarding not receiving my Surety Bond, I was told it was sent out on Feb. 24th and that it should arrive within 10 days by **** mail. On Feb 27th I sent in the required documents to have my stamp produced. I received my stamps as well as another Notary's stamp on March 5th, in my package. I placed another call asking how to handle the return of the stamp that didn't belong to me and inquire about my Surety Bond in which I was told, it should be there soon. It's now March 12th, nearly 2 weeks later, I still had not received my Surety Bond. That day, I call again, I get a guy on the phone ask him, "how are you doing today?", and responds with "good you're my last call". I tell my bond situation, he says my bond was sent and that he can't control what the **** does with mail and that he can overnight another one for $29.95. I say to him, I understand you don't have control of ****, but I experienced a situation where the *** overnighted another Notary's stamp to me. He said he'll have another one sent and confirmed my address. He wasn't very pleasant compared to all the other customer service agents I contacted. The following day, I sent an email and it was confirmed that a duplicate bond was sent. Fast-forward to today, 3/27/24 the duplicate Surety Bond hasn't arrived and today would of been my last day to file my bond with the County Recorder. Although, had to lose time from work and waste gas, I am very thankful that the *** offices are located about 60 miles from me, and I was able physically pick up my Surety Bond and file it. This process caused unnecessary stress and for the amount of money we spend on the **** the least you could do is send the required Surety Bond by way of **** tracking, as we do when sending our certificate to have our stamp produced.

    National Notary Association

    Date: 04/01/2024

    Thank you for bringing your recent experience with our services to our attention. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and frustration you experienced while trying to obtain your Surety Bond.Your feedback is important to us, as it allows us to identify areas where we can improve our services and customer support processes. We understand the importance of timely and reliable delivery of essential documents like the Surety Bond, and we are sorry that we fell short of meeting your expectations in this instance.Given the inconvenience you had, we would like to offer you a full refund for your order. We value your business and want to make things right for you. Your satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us.Please allow 3-5 business days for the refund to reflect in your account. If you have any more concerns or need help, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team. We are here to help ensure your future experiences with us are positive and seamless.Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
  • Review fromCamden U

    Date: 01/22/2024

    1 star

    Camden U

    Date: 01/22/2024

    Frustrating Experience with the National Notary Association I recently used the National Notary Association's services to apply for a Notary ****************** and my experience has been nothing short of frustrating. I opted for a package that included a journal and a stamp, hoping for a smooth and convenient process. Unfortunately, my journey with them has been far from seamless.I applied for the first time in December and received the journal promptly, but that's where the smoothness ended. Despite multiple attempts to confirm the receipt of my application, I received no follow-up or confirmation. This lack of communication left me uneasy, so I reached out via email, only to be met with delayed responses.To my dismay, I was informed that they hadn't received my initial application. I diligently resubmitted it, using multiple email addresses to ensure they got it. However, the lack of confirmation persisted, forcing me to follow up after a few weeks. Once again, they claimed not to have received my email. This cycle repeated, and frustration mounted as it had been three weeks since my initial application.At this point, I requested a refund for all items, as the expensive service was not living up to expectations. Surprisingly, my notary commission was promptly emailed to me the very next day after the refund request. However, I have yet to receive the rest of my package, including the stamp, and my attempts to get an update have gone unanswered.The overall experience has left me regretting my decision to choose the National Notary Association. The poor communication, multiple submission attempts, and lack of updates on my package have soured my perception of their services. If you're considering their assistance, I would advise exploring alternative options or doing it yourself to avoid unnecessary frustration and delays.

    National Notary Association

    Date: 01/23/2024

    I want to extend our sincerest apologies for the frustrating experience you've had with the National Notary Association regarding your recent Notary ***************** application. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we regret any inconvenience you may have encountered during this process.After thoroughly reviewing your file, we would like to provide you with an overview of the timeline and steps taken:On December 1, 2023, your order was placed with us.On December 8, 2023, our Applications team received an email from you regarding the status of your application.On December 11, 2023, we responded to your email and advised that we did not have an application on file at that time.On December 12, 2023, your ***** application was received.On December 13, 2023, we promptly synced your application to your account, screened it, and sent you an email notification regarding a missing signature on the same day.On December 13, 2023, you submitted another application with the required signature later in the day.On December 14, 2023, your ***** application was once again synced to your account, screened, and forwarded for processing.On December 15, 2023, state fees for your application were released and forwarded for submission. An auto-email was sent to you to inform you of the status.On December 18, 2023, your application was electronically submitted to the state. Please note that the state is currently experiencing a processing time of about 4-5 weeks, which is approximately 3 weeks longer than usual.Your stamp was auto-released on January 23, **** (today). It should be shipped out by Thursday or Friday.Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns. We are here to assist you throughout this process.
  • Review fromMelissa C

    Date: 01/09/2024

    1 star

    Melissa C

    Date: 01/09/2024

    I am very peeved at the *** right now. Every single year you are required to get "certified" to be a notary-$100+, then you have to get a background check just through them, can't be from anyone else or you won't get work and that guess what $100+, then you have to have their E&O insurance even though it doesn't cover anything, or you can't get work, that's another $100, so your pumping us for all this money every single year yet if a notary commits an act bad enough to get their commission taken away they wouldn't be doing business anyway! It's a money grab pure and simple! All that stuff should be for the life of the commission, 4 years end of story. I find it disgusting that a company would do such a thing and it should not be allowed. Just wait and see when notaries stop paying into this BS scam! Also my E&O current policy (biberk not dumb *** insurance!) expires next month, stop telling me it's expired now because it isn't! I can't upload a new one because it is not that date yet!

    National Notary Association

    Date: 01/10/2024

    We want to thank you for getting in touch with us and expressing your concerns about the *** certification process and associated fees. It's important to note that the standards and requirements you've mentioned are primarily set by title companies and signing services, and the *** follows these industry standards closely. We completely understand your frustration and would like to provide you with more context regarding these industry policies.We recognize that the *** Background screening and E&O insurance can be perceived as additional expenses for notaries. However, it is essential to emphasize that while these requirements may not be mandated by law, they are crucial factors that most title companies and signing services consider when choosing a signing agent for an assignment. Here's why:Knowledge and Expertise: Title companies and signing services want to ensure that the person they send out for an assignment is well-qualified and knowledgeable. Errors made during the notarization process could potentially delay the closing of a loan or even lead to more severe complications.Security and Privacy: To protect borrowers' private financial information, the mortgage industry imposes strict requirements for background screenings. Lenders instruct title service companies to ensure that everyone handling loan documents, including notaries acting as signing agents, have undergone these screenings. This is essential to maintaining the integrity and security of the lending process.We understand your concerns regarding the cost of these requirements, and we appreciate your feedback regarding the duration of certification and insurance coverage. While we don't have direct control over the duration, we continually strive to provide valuable services and benefits to our members. Given the amount of direct access to private financial information, the mortgage industry has mandated annual background screenings for Notary Signing Agents, and everyone involved during a loan signing.Regarding your E&O insurance, we apologize for any confusion caused by the renewal notifications. Since you already have insurance with another company, we have adjusted your E&O Insurance solicitation settings, so that you will no longer receive them.We value your feedback and hope this information clarifies the reasons behind these industry requirements. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and address any additional issues you may encounter.

BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.