Notary Tips

by Larcenia Freeman

Notarizations are needed today more than ever in every industry.  Just to share a few common notarizations: Healthcare Power of Attorney, Deed of Trust and Affidavits.

The person that assists with the notarization is called a Notary Public. A Notary Public is a public official appointed by a state government to help deter fraud. Notary publics witness the signing of important documents and verify the identity of the signer(s), their willingness to sign the documents, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction. Notarization is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic, and can be trusted such as when you purchase a home, or execute a power of attorney.

1. If you are a member of the public and are asked to get something notarized.  You are responsible for having the document and knowing what kind of notarization you need.  You also need to prove who you are with an unexpired government issued ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport)   Why government issued because it is official and it shows your legal name and your physical description of you.
2. You should make sure that the document you need notarized is complete.  No blank spaces other than where you need to sign in front of the notary. Generally, a document must be 100% complete for a Notary to perform a notarization. Make sure there aren’t any blank spaces on your document before you meet with a Notary because that could make the document more susceptible to fraud. Many states require Notaries to either refuse a notarization on an incomplete document or tell the customer that the document must be completed before it can be notarized. A Notary is not allowed to give advice unless you are an attorney.
3. Know what kind a notarization you need (Jurat, Acknowledgment or Copy Certification) These are the 3 basic types – Acknowledgments — The purpose of an acknowledgment is to declare that you have willingly signed a document. Jurats — The purpose of a jurat is for you to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true Copy Certifications — The purpose of a certified copy is to have the Notary confirm that the copy is an exact match of the original. This is not allowed in all states.  If you’re not sure what kind of notarization you need, contact the document drafter or receiving agency to confirm what notarial act they require before you visit the Notary.
4. Please bring Acceptable Identification the primary duty of a Notary Public is to verify your identity as the document signer. The most common way they determine that you are who you say you are, is by checking state-issued identification documents, like driver’s licenses and passports. Notaries need to see a form of identification that meets requirements set by state law.  If you don’t have an ID credential that will work, you might be able to use “credible identifying witnesses.” These are people who will swear to the Notary that they know you. If you’re able to use this option, your witness(es) must have a form of identification that meets state requirements. If you’ve recently changed your legal name due to marriage, divorce or other reasons, be sure that the ID you bring to the notarization matches your name shown on the document.
5. All Signers should be present for the notarization and be aware and willing to sign.  That means the notary needs to see all signers face-to-face. The notary may ask some questions to the signers particularly to the elderly to make sure there is no coercion.
6. Know what you will be paying.  The state notary fees are listed on the regulating agency’s website of what a notary can charge for notarization.  If you are requesting mobile fees, notaries are able to set those fees based on how far they travel and will be agreed upon prior to the notary accepting and traveling to the appointment.
7. Virtually any document can be notarized, however there are some exceptions – Vital Records such as birth, marriage and death certificates.  Notaries can’t make or certify copies of these records. You must go to the government agency that issued the certificate to get copies.
8. Choose a qualified Notary Public one that has experience and who understands your state law’s.  We have been notaries since 1992 and a notary signing agent where we have completed over  4,000 real estate documents.

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Need to get Something Notarized? Call Freeman Professional

Larcenia is the owner of Freeman Professional Services and has been a notary for the State of California since 1992 and a notary signing agent where she have completed over 6,000 real estate document signing.  You can reach her at www.freemanproservices.com for more details or questions.