New Notary Opportunities on the Horizon: Streamlined Passport Process to Include Notaries Public

On December 24, 2024, President Biden signed into law the “Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.” This comprehensive legislative package included the language of H.R. 8234, a bill introduced by Representative Brian Mast (FL-21), designed to streamline the passport application process and eventually authorize notaries public to accept passport applications.

Including this change in the NDAA was a significant milestone for notaries public across the country. Pending implementation by the Department of State, notaries deemed eligible will have the opportunity to serve as passport acceptance agents.

What is a Passport Acceptance Agent?

A passport acceptance agent is someone who helps you apply for a passport when you’re unable to go directly to the State Department. Think of them as your local passport helper! They make sure all of your documents are in order and verify your identity to ensure your application process goes smoothly.

Imagine you’re weeks away from a vacation and realize that your passport is expired, but the nearest State Department office is hours away. Instead of making that long trip, you can visit a local passport acceptance agent who can process your application, saving you time and hassle.

What This Change Means for Notaries:

Expanding the definition of passport acceptance agent to include notaries presents numerous opportunities, including:

1. Increased Business Opportunities: Notaries will be able to offer their customers an additional valuable service, expanding their portfolio and increasing their marketability.
2. Convenience for Customers: Your customers will benefit from processing a passport application with the same convenience as meeting with a notary.
3. Enhanced Role in Communities: Providing more essential services will allow notaries to play a more integral role in their communities.

We are also excited about the opportunities this will bring to the online notary community. Not only will meeting with a passport acceptance agent online make the passport application process more convenient and accessible for more Americans, but it will also allow notaries to serve even more people in their communities. Proof looks forward to working with the Department of State as they begin implementing this new change and will advocate for the online notary community every step of the way.

Next Steps for Implementation

While this change is certainly exciting, there are still steps that need to be taken before notaries can begin serving as passport acceptance agents. Like with any change that occurs at the state level, the Department of State must formally update its regulations and provide any necessary guidance for notaries to follow.

Nevertheless, the inclusion of notaries public as passport acceptance agents is a forward-thinking move that benefits both notaries and the general public. We want to thank Representative Mast, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for their leadership and for making these important changes.

As we eagerly await any necessary regulations and guidance from the State Department, notaries can prepare to expand their services and embrace this new role with enthusiasm.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development and how it will impact the notary community!