Notary-training law takes effect

Some of the 36,000 notary publics in Nevada are heading back to class for refresher training required by a new state law.

Classes conducted by officials of the Nevada Secretary of State are scheduled in Reno and Las Vegas through the rest of this year.

The four-hour training, which costs $39, provides a detailed explanation of the roles and responsibilities of a notary. Among the subjects are determination whether identification is valid, the correct way to keep a notary journal and the fees that a notary can collect.

The course is required for:

* Anyone who is applying to be a notary for the first time.

* Anyone who is renewing an appointment as a notary public if the appointment has expired for a year or more.

* Anyone renewing an appointment as a notary who has been fined for failing to comply with state law.

Anyone who completed an approved notary education class between July 1 and Oct. 1 meets the requirements of the law that takes effect today.

"We were seeing a dramatic increase in the number of notaries who are not in compliance with state law," said Secretary of State Ross Miller.

He noted that improperly notarized papers for a home loan, for instance can snarl financial transactions.

The training is mandated by AB 533 that was approved during the 2007 session of the Nevada Legislature.

A schedule of the notary classes is at www.secretaryofstate.biz.