Bartenders Get More ID Training Than Notaries Artwork

Sign & Thrive

Welcome to Sign & Thrive: A Podcast for Notaries. Did you know you can build an entire business and additional revenue stream with your Notary commission? The Sign & Thrive podcast helps mobile notaries and loan signing agents serve their customers and build a business that lasts, no matter what the economy is doing. This work matters! Fortunes are transfered, and rights are granted & revoked, with the swipe of our pen and the stamp of our seal. Meet your fellow Notaries Public from around the country who have answered the call to defend integrity AND build a business that they can be proud of, while reclaiming their schedule, and generating unlimited income.

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Bartenders Get More ID Training Than Notaries

April 07, 2026 • Bill Soroka

0:00 | 1:13:17

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Most notaries are commissioned…

But very few are truly prepared for the responsibility that comes with the role.

In this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries, Bill Soroka sits down with Lori Hamm—former notary administrator for the Montana Secretary of State’s office—for a candid conversation about the gap between what notaries are expected to do and how they’re actually trained.

This isn’t a conversation about how to stamp documents.

It’s about what’s really at stake when a notary verifies identity—and what happens when the system assumes competency that may not exist.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing this “right,” or felt like there’s a deeper level to this profession that no one is talking about, this episode will give you a new perspective.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why being commissioned as a notary does not automatically mean you’re qualified
The real role notaries play in preventing fraud and protecting the public
What state oversight actually covers—and where it falls short
Common misconceptions about notarization and identity verification
The risks notaries face when operating without deeper training
Why the notary profession is evolving—and what that means for your future

This conversation is especially important for notaries who want to:

Build a credible, professional reputation
Work with higher-value clients like attorneys and institutions
Reduce risk and operate with greater confidence
Understand the bigger picture of the role they play

Because the truth is—

Notaries are often the last line of defense in critical transactions.

And the world is starting to expect more from those in this role.

If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to step into a higher standard of professionalism, you can learn more about the national credentialing movement here:

www.americannotaryguild.com

And if you want to build a real business around your notary commission—with consistent clients, proven systems, and a community of notaries doing the work alongside you—

Join the High Performance Notary community:

https://www.skool.com/notary

Listen to more episodes of the Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries for practical strategies, real conversations, and the mindset shifts you need to grow a thriving notary business.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with another notary who’s ready to level up.