Interviewer: Joanna, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We know you’re incredibly busy running the United States Notary Association (USNA), so we appreciate this opportunity. To start, can you tell us what makes USNA different from other notary associations?
Joanna: Thank you for having me! I’m really glad to be here. The United States Notary Association (USNA) is a nonprofit organization, and I think that’s one of the things that sets us apart. Our mission is all about supporting notaries, not making a profit off them. We focus on providing real, tangible benefits that help notaries succeed in their careers. These benefits include free notary supplies, free courses, and access to our Loan Signing Agent platform, just to name a few.
What’s also important is that our members get ongoing support, not just when they sign up. We have a community of notaries who are really committed to helping each other out, and we offer personalized customer service. That’s something we take very seriously, and it’s a big part of why people feel so supported when they join USNA.
Interviewer: That’s fantastic. You mentioned that USNA provides free notary supplies, which is a great benefit for members. Do you have any statistics or insights on how belonging to a notary association, like USNA, can actually help notaries grow their business?
Joanna: Absolutely! We’ve seen that notaries who are members of professional organizations tend to perform better than those who aren’t. In fact, studies show that notaries who are members of a notary association get more business. It’s because they look more professional and credible. When you display that you’re part of an established organization, it signals to clients that you take your job seriously and are committed to maintaining high standards.
Members of USNA are also more knowledgeable—not just because of our educational resources, but because being part of a professional association encourages a mindset of continuous improvement. Our members have access to free training and up-to-date industry information, which makes them better equipped to handle diverse assignments, including more complex ones like loan signings.
Interviewer: That’s great to hear. Many notaries may be wondering: “What can I expect once I join USNA? How do I get started and actually begin to see the benefits?”
Joanna: When you join USNA, you’re not just paying for a badge to put on your profile. You’re getting access to tools, resources, and a community that helps you succeed. The first thing I’d suggest is to log into your account, where you’ll have access to free notary supplies—you can order your stamp, journals, and other essentials, you can order supplies whenever you need them.
Next, we encourage members to take our free Loan Signing Agent course. It’s a comprehensive program that will help you gain the skills needed to handle loan signings, and after you complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate that adds value to your profile.
We also have our Quick Signings platform, where you can get connected with clients looking for notaries. It’s a great way to get job opportunities directly, and there are no additional fees beyond your membership.
Interviewer: It sounds like USNA provides a really well-rounded approach to supporting notaries. Now, a big question for our listeners: how important is it for a notary to be part of an association, and what would you say to someone who isn’t convinced it’s necessary?
Joanna: I understand that some notaries may feel they can get by without joining an association, but the reality is, when you’re part of a professional community, you get more than just job leads. You get the knowledge, tools, and credibility that will set you apart in a competitive market.
Statistics back this up: Notaries who are part of an association tend to have higher earning potential, receive more job offers, and are seen as more reliable and professional by clients. It’s not just about access to leads—it’s about being prepared and making sure you stand out from others in the field.
Plus, if you’re planning to grow your notary business, you’ll benefit from the resources and education we offer. Our free training, certification programs, and the support of our community are invaluable for notaries looking to make a long-term career out of this.
Interviewer: Great points! Now, what if someone is already a member of another notary association? Should they still consider joining USNA?
Joanna: That’s a great question. While it’s wonderful that a notary is already part of another association, joining USNA could still be a beneficial move. Each association offers its own set of unique benefits, and if you’re looking for free notary supplies, free loan signing agent courses, and professional support, USNA is definitely worth considering.
We are all about helping notaries succeed, and our no-cost courses and certifications offer value that many other associations simply don’t provide. If you’re someone who wants more than just a membership badge or access to leads, then joining USNA could really make a difference in your career.
Remember, the notary industry is about professionalism and continuous learning, and USNA supports that by offering members practical, hands-on tools to succeed.
Interviewer: That’s great advice. Lastly, as we head into the new year, what can USNA members expect in the near future?
Joanna: We’ve got big plans for 2025! We’ll be rolling out even more free educational courses and introducing a free background check for loan signing agents, which will meet industry standards and be included as part of membership. We’re also continuing to work with our suppliers to bring in higher-quality notary supplies at no additional cost to our members.
We’re really excited to expand the loan signing agent certification and make it even more valuable for notaries in 2025, and we can’t wait to offer more resources and support to help our members succeed in this ever-changing industry.
We’re also working on new networking opportunities and ways for notaries to connect and grow their businesses, so we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.
Interviewer: Joanna, thank you so much for your time today. It’s clear that you and the team at USNA are really dedicated to helping notaries grow and succeed.
Joanna: Thank you! It was my pleasure to share our vision and the work we’re doing to support notaries. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to helping even more notaries in the future.