Notary Services

 A Notary is a responsible person appointed by the state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths 

 To deter fraud. An impartial witness (the Notary) ensures that the signers of documents are who they say they are and not impostors. The Notary makes sure that signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly. 

 Remote online notarization is the act of performing a notarization remotely using two-way audio-video technology. It is the online equivalent of an in-person, paper-based notarization where every part of the process is done via the internet.  Remote online notarization is also called webcam notarization, online notarization or virtual notarization. 

 Many people confuse electronic notarization with remote notarization, believing they are the same. They are not.

Electronic notarization, or eNotarization, involves documents that are notarized in electronic form, and the Notary and document signer sign with an electronic signature. But all other elements of a traditional, paper notarization apply to electronic notarization, including the requirement for the signer to physically appear before the Notary.

The confusion arises from the fact that remote notarizations typically involve digital documents that are signed and notarized electronically. However, they go a step further in that the transaction is conducted online rather than in person.

 Yes, most notaries are able to notarize documents even if that document comes from another state. Notaries are geographically limited regarding where they can notarize documents, not necessarily where the documents come from. 

  Generally, the Notary will ask to see a current identification document that has a photograph, a physical description, and a signature. A driver's license, military ID, or passport will usually be acceptable. 

For a document to be notarized, it must contain: 1) text committing the signer in some way, 2) an original signature (not a photocopy) of the document signer, 3) a notarial "certificate" which may appear on the document itself or on an attachment. The Notary fills in the certificate, signs it, and applies his/her seal to complete the notarization.   Generally, the Notary will ask to see a current identification document that has a photograph, a physical description, and a signature. A driver's license, military ID, or passport will usually be acceptable. 

For many documents, yes. Certain affidavits, real estate deeds, and other documents may not be legally binding unless they are property notarized. 

 No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of the documents they notarize. Notaries certify the identity of the signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents. 

Not every document that needs to be signed needs to be notarized — only certain types of paperwork require a notary’s seal. While laws vary from state to state, they typically include real estate transactions, certain legal documents, many financial documents, and some forms related to healthcare. Documents that require notarization usually indicate that clearly, providing space for the notary’s signature and seal.

Some of the most common types of documents needing to be notarized are:

1. Articles of incorporation
2. Real estate contracts and property deeds
3. Legal affidavits
4. Loan documents
5. Powers of attorney
6. Passport applications No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of the documents they notarize. Notaries certify the identity of the signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.