Notarization

Whether you are signing mortgage papers or a will, you need a notarization service. This is where an expert notary public provides the service you require. Here is what you need to know about the notary process today.

Notarization. How the Notary Enters the Transaction

As an impartial party, the notary has the duty to verify the identity of anyone requesting this service. For this reason, the professional accepts several forms of identification.

• State-issued driver license. 
• State-issued I.D. 
• Military ID. 
• Passport with a photo and signature.

Getting Ready to Work with a Notary

Notarizations are standard practice in a variety of business transaction. They also take place in the legal system. Before scheduling an appointment to set up a notarization, get your documents ready. For example, complete the document by filling out, initialing, and otherwise entering all the data that is asked for. A notary cannot notarize a document that is entirely or even partially blank.

Next, have a document that genuinely requires to be notarized by the expert. For example, a COBRA signature typically does not call for a notary. In contrast, the acknowledgment of a power of attorney or real property deed does. Many documents needing notarization have a blank notary space to fill out. This is the one area that you should not fill in because it is for the notary only.

Other documents that do require notary seals involve specific legal filings with the court. Examples include affidavits. 

What a Notary Cannot Do for You

1. Provide Legal Advice: Notaries are not attorneys, and they cannot offer legal advice or draft legal documents for you. They are limited to certifying signatures, administering oaths, and witnessing the signing of documents.

2. Verify the Authenticity of Documents: Notaries are not responsible for verifying the authenticity or accuracy of the documents you present for notarization. They only verify the identity of the signers and ensure that they are signing willingly.

3. Notarize Incomplete Documents: Notaries cannot notarize documents that are incomplete or contain blank spaces where information should be filled in. All required fields must be completed before the notarization can take place.

4. Act with Bias or Conflict of Interest: Notaries must remain impartial and cannot notarize documents if they have a personal interest in the transaction or if they are involved in any way. This ensures the integrity and impartiality of the notarial act.

5. Notarize Documents Without Proper Identification: Notaries are required to verify the identity of the signers using acceptable forms of identification. They cannot notarize documents if the signer’s identity cannot be adequately confirmed.

6. Perform Notarial Acts Without Proper Training or Certification: Notaries must be properly trained and certified according to the laws of their jurisdiction. They cannot perform notarial acts if they are not duly authorized or if their commission has expired.

7. Notarize Documents Where the Signer is Not Present: In most cases, notaries are required to witness the signing of documents in person. They cannot notarize documents if the signer is not physically present, with a few exceptions such as remote online notarization where permitted by law.

Finding a Qualified Notary Public Near Me

Many notaries will travel to meet you for a real estate closing or another event. Others work out of an office and welcome appointments. If necessary, some will also meet at other public places such as coffee houses or restaurants. However, do not keep the notary waiting. Depending on the expert’s business practices, you may have to pay a fee to make up for the professional’s time.

Finding a notary public near me can be as simple as contact me today.