When you're looking to become a notary or advance your notary career, choosing the right professional association can make all the difference. The American Association of Notaries (AAN), National Notary Association (NNA), and American Society of Notaries (ASN) each offer unique benefits, training programs, and resources. But which organization aligns best with your goals and budget? The answer depends on your experience level, state requirements, and whether you're interested in traditional or remote online notarization services like those offered by BlueNotary.
Understanding Your Notary Association Options
The notary profession has evolved significantly with the rise of remote online notarization (RON), and professional associations have adapted their offerings accordingly. When evaluating amer assoc notaries and other organizations, you're essentially choosing between different philosophies, training approaches, and membership benefits that will shape your notary career.
The American Association of Notaries (AAN) Approach
The American Association of Notaries positions itself as a comprehensive resource for both new and experienced notaries. Founded with the mission to provide affordable education and ongoing support, AAN focuses heavily on practical training that prepares notaries for real-world scenarios. Their approach emphasizes understanding state-specific requirements while building a foundation in federal notary law.
What sets amer assoc notaries apart is their commitment to making notary education accessible. They offer various certification levels, from basic commissioning requirements to advanced specializations in loan signing and remote online notarization. Their training materials are designed to be digestible for newcomers while providing enough depth for seasoned professionals seeking to expand their services.
Why It Matters: The association you choose will influence not only your initial training but also your ongoing professional development and networking opportunities throughout your notary career.
The National Notary Association (NNA) Philosophy
The NNA has established itself as the largest and most recognized notary association in the United States. With decades of experience, they've built a reputation for comprehensive training programs and extensive resources. Their approach tends to be more structured and formal, offering detailed courses that cover every aspect of notary law and practice.
The NNA's strength lies in their extensive state-by-state guidance and their role in advocating for notary legislation. They maintain detailed databases of state requirements and regularly update their materials to reflect changing laws. For notaries who want the most comprehensive training available and don't mind paying premium prices, the NNA represents the gold standard.
The American Society of Notaries (ASN) Focus
The ASN takes a more specialized approach, focusing primarily on continuing education and professional development for existing notaries. Rather than competing directly with basic commissioning courses, they position themselves as the next step for notaries who want to advance their skills and expand their service offerings.
Their programs often emphasize practical applications and business development, helping notaries understand how to build successful practices. The ASN frequently partners with industry professionals to provide insights into emerging trends like remote online notarization and digital document processing.
Comparing Notary Association Features
When evaluating these three major notary associations, several key factors differentiate their offerings. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and career goals.
Training and Certification Programs
Each association approaches notary education differently, reflecting their unique philosophies and target audiences. The American Association of Notaries emphasizes practical, state-specific training that gets notaries commissioned quickly and confidently. Their courses focus on real-world scenarios and common challenges new notaries face.
The NNA offers the most comprehensive training programs, often including extensive study materials, practice tests, and detailed state law guides. Their courses tend to be longer and more thorough, covering edge cases and complex situations that experienced notaries might encounter.
The ASN focuses on specialized training for specific notary services, such as loan signing, real estate transactions, and remote online notarization. Their programs assume basic notary knowledge and build upon that foundation with advanced techniques and business skills.
Pro Tip: Consider your learning style when choosing an association. If you prefer comprehensive, structured learning, the NNA might be best. If you want practical, focused training, amer assoc notaries could be ideal. For specialized advancement, consider the ASN.
Membership Benefits and Resources
The value proposition of each association extends beyond initial training to include ongoing member benefits and resources. These additional services often justify the membership costs and provide long-term value for practicing notaries.
Cost and Value Comparison
| Association | Basic Membership | Training Cost | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Association of Notaries | $39-89/year | $49-199 | Affordable training, state-specific guides, member discounts |
| National Notary Association | $79-149/year | $99-299 | Comprehensive resources, extensive state database, advocacy |
| American Society of Notaries | $99-199/year | $149-399 | Specialized training, business development, networking |
The pricing structure reflects each association's positioning and target market. The American Association of Notaries maintains competitive pricing to make notary education accessible to a broader audience. Many members appreciate the american association of notaries coupon code opportunities and american association of notaries promo code offers that further reduce costs.
The NNA's premium pricing reflects their comprehensive approach and extensive resources. Members receive access to detailed legal databases, regular updates on changing laws, and extensive customer support. Their higher costs often pay for themselves through the depth and quality of resources provided.
The ASN's pricing falls in the middle but focuses on specialized value. Their programs target notaries who are already established and looking to expand their services or improve their business practices.
Deep Dive: American Association of Notaries (AAN)
The American Association of Notaries has carved out a unique position in the notary education market by focusing on accessibility and practical application. When you choose amer assoc notaries, you're selecting an organization that prioritizes getting you commissioned efficiently while building a solid foundation in notary law and practice.
Training Philosophy and Approach
AAN's training programs are built around the principle that effective notary education should be comprehensive yet accessible. Their courses break down complex legal concepts into understandable segments, using real-world examples and scenarios that new notaries are likely to encounter. This approach helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The organization recognizes that many people entering the notary profession are doing so as a career change or side business. Their materials are designed to accommodate busy schedules and varying levels of legal background. The courses progress logically from basic concepts to more advanced topics, allowing students to build confidence as they advance.
Key Takeaway: AAN's training philosophy centers on practical application rather than academic theory, making it particularly suitable for career changers and busy professionals.
State-Specific Resources
One of the strongest aspects of amer assoc notaries is their commitment to state-specific guidance. Rather than providing generic national information, they tailor their resources to reflect the specific requirements and procedures of each state where they operate. This approach recognizes that notary law varies significantly between states and that generic training often leaves gaps in practical knowledge.
Their state guides include not only the legal requirements but also practical tips for navigating state-specific challenges. For example, they provide guidance on working with different state agencies, understanding local filing requirements, and adapting to regional business practices.
Certification Levels and Specializations
The AAN offers multiple certification levels to accommodate different career goals and experience levels. Their basic certification covers fundamental notary law and procedures, meeting the minimum requirements for commissioning in most states. Advanced certifications dive deeper into specialized areas like loan signing, real estate transactions, and remote online notarization.
Each certification level includes practical exercises and assessments that test not only knowledge but also application skills. Students must demonstrate their ability to handle various scenarios and make appropriate decisions under pressure. This practical focus helps ensure that certified notaries are prepared for real-world challenges.
Member Support and Resources
AAN members receive ongoing support through various channels, including customer service, online resources, and community forums. The organization maintains an active online community where members can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other's challenges and successes.
The member portal provides access to updated forms, state law changes, and continuing education opportunities. Regular newsletters keep members informed about industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices. This ongoing support helps members stay current and continue developing their skills throughout their careers.
Deep Dive: National Notary Association (NNA)
The National Notary Association represents the establishment approach to notary education and professional development. As the oldest and largest notary association in the United States, the NNA has built its reputation on comprehensive training, extensive resources, and active involvement in shaping notary legislation nationwide.
Comprehensive Training Programs
The NNA's training programs are among the most thorough available in the industry. Their approach emphasizes deep understanding of notary law, extensive coverage of edge cases, and preparation for complex scenarios that experienced notaries might encounter. The programs typically require more time investment than competitors but provide correspondingly deeper knowledge.
Their curriculum covers not only basic notary procedures but also advanced topics like fraud detection, document authentication, and legal liability. Students learn to recognize and handle unusual situations that might not be covered in more basic programs. This comprehensive approach makes NNA certification particularly valuable for notaries who plan to work in high-stakes environments or handle complex transactions.
Industry Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond training, the NNA plays a significant role in shaping the notary profession through advocacy and industry leadership. They regularly work with state legislatures to develop and improve notary laws, ensuring that regulations keep pace with technological advances and changing business needs.
Their advocacy efforts have been particularly important in the development of remote online notarization laws. As states have grappled with how to regulate RON services, the NNA has provided expertise and guidance to help create workable frameworks that protect consumers while enabling innovation.
Expert Tip: The NNA's involvement in legislative advocacy means their training materials often reflect the most current legal thinking and anticipated future changes in notary law.
Extensive Resource Library
NNA members gain access to one of the most comprehensive notary resource libraries available. This includes detailed state-by-state legal guides, form libraries, FAQ databases, and regular legal updates. The depth and breadth of these resources often justify the higher membership costs for serious professionals.
The resource library is particularly valuable for notaries who work across multiple states or handle diverse types of transactions. Having access to detailed, current information about varying state requirements can prevent costly mistakes and ensure compliance with local laws.
Premium Support Services
The NNA offers various premium support services that go beyond basic membership benefits. These include legal hotlines staffed by attorneys, detailed consultation services, and specialized training for high-volume or complex notary work. While these services command premium prices, they provide valuable support for notaries handling challenging situations.
Deep Dive: American Society of Notaries (ASN)
The American Society of Notaries occupies a unique niche in the notary education landscape by focusing on professional development and specialization rather than basic commissioning requirements. Their approach assumes that members already have foundational notary knowledge and want to advance their skills and expand their service offerings.
Specialized Training Focus
ASN's training programs concentrate on specific areas of notary practice rather than providing general education. Their courses cover topics like advanced loan signing techniques, real estate transaction management, and business development for notary practices. This specialized approach appeals to notaries who want to differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
The organization frequently updates its curriculum to reflect emerging trends and opportunities in the notary profession. As remote online notarization has grown in importance, ASN has developed specialized training programs that help traditional notaries transition to digital platforms and understand the unique requirements of RON services.
Business Development Resources
Unlike associations that focus primarily on legal compliance and basic procedures, ASN emphasizes the business aspects of notary practice. Their programs include marketing guidance, client relationship management, pricing strategies, and practice management techniques.
This business focus recognizes that many notaries operate as independent contractors or small business owners who need more than just legal knowledge to succeed. ASN's resources help members build sustainable, profitable practices while maintaining high professional standards.
Business Insight: ASN's emphasis on business development makes it particularly valuable for notaries who want to build full-time practices rather than working occasionally as needed.
Networking and Professional Community
The ASN places significant emphasis on building professional networks and communities among its members. They organize regular conferences, webinars, and local chapter meetings that provide opportunities for members to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.
These networking opportunities often lead to business referrals, partnership opportunities, and collaborative learning experiences. For notaries working in specialized areas or seeking to expand their services, the professional connections available through ASN can be extremely valuable.
When to Choose Each Association
Selecting the right notary association depends on your specific situation, career goals, and professional needs. Each organization serves different segments of the notary community, and understanding these distinctions helps ensure you choose the best fit for your circumstances.
Choose American Association of Notaries If:
The American Association of Notaries is ideal for several specific situations and career goals. New notaries who want to get commissioned quickly and affordably will find amer assoc notaries particularly appealing. The organization's focus on practical training and reasonable pricing makes it accessible to people entering the profession without significant upfront investment.
Career changers who are adding notary services to existing professional practices often prefer AAN's efficient approach. Rather than investing months in comprehensive training, they can quickly gain the knowledge and certification needed to serve their existing clients' notary needs.
Small business owners and independent contractors who need basic notary knowledge without extensive specialization find AAN's approach practical and cost-effective. The training provides sufficient depth to handle routine notary work while keeping costs manageable.
People interested in remote online notarization will appreciate AAN's current and practical approach to RON training. Their materials reflect the realities of working with platforms like BlueNotary and other modern notary technologies.
Perfect For: New notaries, career changers, small business owners, and anyone seeking affordable, practical notary education with american association of notaries discount code opportunities.
Choose National Notary Association If:
Evaluate Resources and Support
Different associations provide varying levels of ongoing support and resources. Consider what type of support you're likely to need throughout your career. New notaries often benefit from accessible customer service and practical guidance, while experienced notaries might prefer specialized resources and networking opportunities.
Look at the quality and comprehensiveness of training materials, ongoing education opportunities, and member benefits. Some associations provide extensive libraries of resources, while others focus on specific areas of expertise.
Consider the association's reputation and standing in the industry. Well-respected organizations can enhance your professional credibility and provide better networking opportunities.
Financial Considerations
While cost shouldn't be the only factor, it's important to consider the total financial investment required. This includes not only membership fees but also training costs, continuing education requirements, and any additional services you might need.
Look for value rather than just low prices. An association that provides comprehensive training and ongoing support might justify higher costs through better preparation and career outcomes. Many members find that american association of notaries coupon opportunities and promotional offers help make quality training more affordable.
Consider the potential return on investment. Better training and professional connections can lead to more business opportunities and higher fees, potentially justifying higher upfront costs.
Making the Final Decision
After evaluating your situation, goals, and resources, you should have a clearer picture of which association aligns best with your needs. Remember that you're not locked into a single choice forever – many notaries start with one association and later add memberships with others as their needs evolve.
Consider starting with the association that best meets your immediate needs while keeping an eye on future opportunities. As you gain experience and clarify your long-term goals, you can always expand your professional affiliations.
Common Questions About Notary Associations
What's the difference between certification and commissioning?
Certification and commissioning serve different purposes in the notary profession, though they're often confused. Commissioning is the official legal process by which your state government authorizes you to act as a notary public. This typically involves meeting state requirements, passing any required exams, and taking an oath of office. Your commission gives you the legal authority to perform notary acts within your state.
Certification, on the other hand, is additional training and credentialing provided by professional associations like amer assoc notaries, the NNA, or ASN. These certifications demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills beyond basic commissioning requirements. For example, you might earn certification in loan signing, remote online notarization, or specific types of transactions.
While commissioning is legally required to work as a notary, certification is optional but often valuable for professional development and credibility. Many clients and employers prefer to work with certified notaries because the additional training suggests higher competence and professionalism.
Key Distinction: Your state commission gives you legal authority to notarize; association certification demonstrates specialized expertise and professional development.
Can I belong to multiple notary associations?
Yes, many notaries maintain memberships with multiple associations to access different resources and benefits. This approach makes sense when associations offer complementary rather than overlapping services. For example, you might join amer assoc notaries for affordable basic training and the NNA for comprehensive legal resources.
Multiple memberships can provide broader networking opportunities, diverse training perspectives, and access to specialized resources from different organizations. However, the costs can add up quickly, so it's important to ensure that each membership provides distinct value.
Consider your budget and time constraints when deciding on multiple memberships. Active participation in one association often provides more value than passive membership in several. Focus on organizations that align with your specific needs and career goals.
How do association certifications affect my earning potential?
Professional certifications can significantly impact earning potential by demonstrating expertise, building credibility, and opening doors to specialized work. Certified notaries often command higher fees because clients perceive them as more knowledgeable and reliable.
Specialized certifications in areas like loan signing or remote online notarization can provide access to higher-paying work. Loan signing agents, for example, typically earn $75-200 per signing compared to $5-15 for basic notary services. RON certification opens opportunities to work with platforms like BlueNotary and serve clients nationwide.
The return on investment varies depending on how actively you use your certification and the demand in your market. Notaries who actively market their certified expertise and seek specialized work typically see better returns than those who obtain certification but continue doing routine work.
Do I need different training for remote online notarization?
Yes, remote online notarization requires specialized training beyond traditional notary education. RON involves different procedures, technology requirements, and legal considerations that aren't covered in basic notary courses. Most states that allow RON require specific training and certification before notaries can perform remote services.
RON training covers topics like identity verification technologies, audio-visual communication requirements, electronic document handling, and digital signature processes. You'll also learn about specific legal requirements for RON in your state and how to use various RON platforms effectively.
The American Association of Notaries and other organizations offer RON-specific training programs that prepare notaries for this growing market. As more businesses and consumers embrace remote services, RON certification becomes increasingly valuable for career advancement.
How often do I need to renew my association membership?
Membership renewal requirements vary by association, but most require annual renewal to maintain active status and access to member benefits. Some associations offer multi-year membership options at discounted rates, which can provide cost savings for committed members.
Renewal typically involves paying membership fees and may require completing continuing education credits or updating your professional information. Some associations provide american association of notaries promo code opportunities for renewals, making it more affordable to maintain membership.
Consider setting up automatic renewal if you're satisfied with your association to avoid lapses in membership and access to resources. Many associations provide renewal reminders and may offer grace periods for late renewals.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Moving to a different state affects both your notary commission and association membership, though in different ways. Your notary commission is state-specific and doesn't transfer to other states. You'll need to apply for a new commission in your new state, which may involve additional training, testing, and fees.
Association memberships typically continue regardless of where you live, though the relevance of resources may change. If your association provides state-specific training and resources, you'll want to ensure they cover your new state's requirements. Some associations like amer assoc notaries provide resources for multiple states, making transitions easier.
Before moving, research the notary requirements in your new state and consider whether your current association provides adequate support for the transition. You may need to supplement your training or switch to an association with stronger coverage in your new location.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between amer assoc notaries, the NNA, and ASN ultimately comes down to your specific needs, career goals, and budget. Each association serves different segments of the notary community effectively, and the right choice depends on where you are in your professional journey. Whether you're just starting out and need affordable, practical training, or you're an experienced notary looking to specialize and grow your practice, there's an association that fits your needs. Get started with BlueNotary to explore how remote online notarization can enhance your notary services regardless of which association you choose. Ready to get started? Visit BlueNotary to learn more.
