There are notaries who received commissions as political favors long ago who have only limited awareness of the significance of their signature on documents. There are also those who can even today find a connection that allows them to obtain their commission without having to obtain any knowledge other than the price of and how to complete an order form for a mechanical seal. While we may not be able to change the fact that this will occur, we can and must attempt to change the effect. The public's expectation of a notary's responsibility can and will change. It is up to us to bring about this change.
Professionalism is the key.
The Louisiana Notary Association, in its formative meetings, developed a statement of professional standards that suggested standards of excellence and professionalism. Sometimes it may take extra effort, but public education is as important as our own. Notaries in all other states can only attest to identity and take acknowledgments. But in Louisiana, the broad powers of the notary require that the notary have a high regard for his signature and not dispense it when either he or his client lacks understanding of the document presented. The Louisiana civil law notary, whether attorney or non-attorney, has an obligation as broad as his power to continue to develop a professional understanding of the law and the significance of the effects that documents presented bring to bear on the parties.