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What Is A Notary Public?
A Notary Public is an official appointed by a state government to serve the public as an impartial witness in administering oaths and performing other official acts (called notarial acts or notarizations) when important documents are signed. The duties and responsibilities of Notaries are expressly dictated by state law.
Notaries Public oversee the proper execution of many life-changing documents—whether those documents help businesses to operate, convey real property, grant powers of attorney, establish estate plans, finalize adoptions, or affect a multitude of other matters that enable our society to function. [National Notary Association]
Why You Should Become A Notary
There are 4.4 million Americans serving as Notaries Public to protect consumers from fraud and identity theft. In fact, they are in such high demand by businesses, industries, and private individuals that there is one Notary for every 72 people in the country.
Benefits of Being a Notary
1. Make a viable income
2. Enjoy A flexible schedule
3. Have job security
4. Become a Notary Signing Agent
5. Help your community
[NNA]
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To register, call 301-546-0159 or contact Kristal Brown, Program Coordinator, Business & Entrepreneurship Department, Professional Studies & Community Education Division - (O) 301-546-0712 - (Email) brownka1@pgcc.edu.
ABBREVIATED summer course SCHEDULE (MAY - AUG 2026)
GEN-307 Notary Public Procedures
GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
For both prospective and present notaries, this
course will demonstrate how to prevent fraud
when documents are notarized properly and
legally. Topics will also include how to properly
identify clients, keep adequate records of
notarial acts, and charge proper fees. Instructors:
Elaine Wright Harris, Frederick Harris
2 sessions, $75*
28677 WTh 5/13-5/14 6:30-9 p.m. REMOTE
28679 WTh 6/17-6/18 6:30-9 p.m. REMOTE
28683 WTh 7/15-7/16 6:30-9 p.m. REMOTE
GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
This course reviews notary practices and procedures
for performing proper notarizations.
Students will have an opportunity to sharpen
their notarial knowledge through exercises in
completing notarial certificates, administering
verbal declarations, documenting journal
entries, and spotting false identification.
Instructors: Elaine Wright Harris, Frederick
Harris. Prerequisite: GEN-307.
3 sessions, $75*
28678 MW 5/27-6/3 6:30-9 p.m. REMOTE
28681 MW 7/1-7/8 6:30-9 p.m. REMOTE
28684 W 7/29-8/5 6:30-9 p.m. REMOTE
GEN-363 Advanced Notarial Procedures
GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
GEN-369 21st Century Notary: Information Technology for the Mobile Notary
This course provides notaries public with
advanced notarial procedures for handling
challenging situations with confidence and
ease. Learn to perform all notarial requests
properly and accurately and how to respond
to Apostille and Medallion Signature requests.
This is a self-paced, online course with 14 days
to complete the assigned work. Instructor:
Elaine Wright Harris. Prerequisites: GEN-307
and 339 3 sessions, $75*
28693 T 6/16-6/30 online CNVS
28700 T 8/11-8/25 online CNVS
GEN-369 21st Century Notary: Information Technology for the Mobile Notary
GEN-369 21st Century Notary: Information Technology for the Mobile Notary
GEN-369 21st Century Notary: Information Technology for the Mobile Notary
Run your home-based business like a big company using multiple smart devices, i.e. smart
phone, tablets, and computers. Learn about
Information Technology (IT) applications that
utilize smart phones, cloud-based software
that protects Non-public Personal Information
(NPPI) and how to synchronize data files and
pictures across multiple devices. Instructor:
Donnell Smith 1 session, $45
28680 S 6/20-6/20 10 a.m.-1 p.m. REMOTE
GEN-371 Notaries Public Protect Client Info (NPPI)
GEN-369 21st Century Notary: Information Technology for the Mobile Notary
GEN-371 Notaries Public Protect Client Info (NPPI)
Notaries public can avoid potential penalties
by protecting their client’s Non-Public Personal
Information (NPPI). Penalties may include
commission suspension, fines, or criminal
charges. Learn how to assess risks and determine
preventative measures. Develop a plan to
protect NPPI and effectively execute notarial
duties in accordance with legal and professional
requirements and standards. Instructor:
Wanda Moore 1 session, $45
28682 S 7/11-7/11 10 a.m.-1 p.m. REMOTE
I AM JUST GETTING STARTED. WHICH COURSE(S) SHOULD I TAKE FIRST?
(1) GEN-307 Notary Public Procedures (2) GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
(3) GEN-363 Advanced Notary Procedures [Feel free to register for one course or more courses.]
Have you ordered a recent copy of the Maryland Notaries Handbook?
Click here to order the Handbook from the Secretary of State Office
Contact number: 410-974-5520
frequently asked questions (faqS)
WHAT IS A NOTARY PUBLIC?
As sworn public officials, Notaries Public serve an important role in preventing fraud and protecting the parties involved by acting as official, unbiased witnesses for certain documents. Because of Notaries' Public important role in the mortgage closing process, aspiring TIPICs should understand their duties and responsibilities and properly perform notarization on mortgage documents.
NOTARY PUBLIC FAQs - [By clicking the link below, you will be directed to the Secretary of State website.]
HOW TO EARN A "CERTIFICATE OF COURSE COMPLETION" - CORE COURSE WORK
Students who complete the following three core courses will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Course Completion from Prince George's Community College.
- GEN-307 Notary Public Procedures
- GEN-339 Applied Notary Practices and Procedures
- GEN-363 Advanced Notarial Procedures
Please note: The "Certificate of Course Completion" is not the certificate "to become/renew" as a notary required by the Secretary of State Office. Click here for information on "Applying to Become A Notary" or "Renewing Your Notary Commission."
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PGCC CORE CLASSES AND THE COURSE OF STUDY/EXAMINATION REQUIRED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE?
The course of study required by the Secretary of State reviews the laws and regulations outlined in the Maryland Notary Handbook. The "three core courses" taught online at Prince George's Community College provide an in-depth interpretation and application of the laws and regulations outlined in the Maryland Notary Handbook. You can think of the course of study required by the Secretary of State's Office as "getting your driver's license"; the courses taught at Prince George's Community College are like "learning how to drive."
1. Are the three core courses offered at PGCC part of the Secretary of State Course of Study required for new and renewing notaries public?
NO. The courses are separate. You will receive a certificate of course completion from Prince George's Community College, which differs from the certificate required by the Secretary of State.
2. Do notary classes at PGCC fulfill the TIPIC renewal requirement?
NO. The "notary courses" at PGCC are independent of the "title courses" provided by Trusted Agent Services Group, LLC. Trusted Agent Services Group offers pre-licensing courses to help students prepare for the TIPIC title examination (Prometric) and continuing education (CE) courses to fulfill the Maryland Insurance Administration renewal requirements.
3. Is a notary commission required before taking the title pre-licensing course?
NO. You can begin notary classes or the title insurance producer independent contractor pre-licensing course simultaneously or at any time.
TESTIMONIALS
Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 5:50 PM
To: Elaine W Harris
Subject: Certificate Found.....Thanks So Much!
Good Afternoon,
I forgot to say when I sent my first thank you so much for making the course a pleasure. You made it easy to understand and everything was clear and easy to read. It also helped that you have the a quiz for each section. I am recommending your course to everyone I know. Be Blessed and thanks again.
Regards,
Allyne Hooks
On 10/18/2022 11:36 PM TJenkins wrote:Ms. Elaine and Mr. Fred, Thank you for teaching us the "Meat & Potatoes" detail for the three Notary classes...this is the best teaching I have had in any curriculum or course of study....I have got to keep this going...Best Regards, TJenkins.
..
5/8/2023 6:57 PM I would like to thank the great instructors, Professors, Elaine Harris and Fred Harris for their time and wisdom, professional and knowledgeable skills in these courses. I enjoyed my time in the classes and appreciate the work that they do to enrich the community. I plan on continuing to learn and use the notary public wisely. Donna Rawlings
On 11/29/2022 10:09 PM Dorothy Ford wrote:
Good evening Mrs. Harris,
First of all, I'm so grateful to have met you and Mr. Harris this Semester. The opportunity to learn so much from the two of you has been an indescribable experience. Completing the GEN-363 Advanced Notarial Procedures has provided even more incentive for me to pursue becoming a Maryland Notary Public. Thank you in advance for assisting me.
Fulfilling My Assignment,
Reverend Dorothy D. Ford
Minister, Christian Education Ministry
WORD Bible Academy and Bible Institute
The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square
Bishop Anthony G. Maclin, Pastor
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