How to Prepare for your Notary Appointment.

The job of a notary is to make sure signers are aware of the documents they are signing and verify the signer's identity. They also make sure that the signer agrees to the document willingly and of their own free will.

This ensures that notarized documents are legally binding, protecting all parties involved. When you need to have a document notarized, there are several steps you can take to prepare for a smooth notarization.

Know what type of notarization you need

Notaries can describe what the primary notarial acts are, but they cannot recommend one over another.

Make sure the document is complete: 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.

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.

Ensure the name on your ID matches the name on your document: The ID you bring to the notarization must match your name as it is shown on the document.

Have all signers present for the notarization: A signer must meet face-to-face with a Notary to have their signature notarized.

Be aware and willing to sign: One of the basic duties of a Notary is to screen document signers for willingness and awareness. That means a Notary will check that you are mentally aware and alert at the time of the notarization, and that you are signing the document voluntarily and not under duress.

Know what you will be paying: In most states, the maximum fees Notaries may charge are set by law. You can also check your state Notary regulating agency's website (usually the Secretary of State's office) to find out what the notarization fees are.

Travel and convenience fees for mobile Notary services may or may not be governed by state law. Most mobile Notaries will charge a separate fee for these services. Make sure you discuss and agree on any additional fee(s) before the Notary travels to your location.

Generally, notarizations come in three 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.

As the signer, you must tell the Notary what type of notarization you need. Notaries can describe what the primary notarial acts are, but they cannot recommend one over another.

It's illegal for a Notary Public to give advice unless they are also a licensed attorney.

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.

Can Any Document Be Notarized?

Virtually any document can be notarized. However, exceptions are vital records such as a 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.

The next time you are in need of a notarization call, text or schedule your reliable and dependable notary appointment. We are always happy to help.

D. Shephard Notary

D. Shephard Notary...Always there when you need us.

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