The notarization process is crucial as it guarantees that your information is factually correct. It confirms that you are well-informed about the content of each of the documents. Notarization serves as a safeguard against identity theft by attesting to the validity and accuracy of paperwork. A notary public, who the state or federal government appoints, performs notarization. He may also administer affidavits and oaths, and he has the authority to do so.
The notary public plays a vital role when you finalize any employment contract, purchase a new house, or sign off on the final copy of your will. It also helps businesses like insurance and mortgage companies to save time from unnecessary legal processing. For example, a notary will act as legal evidence of authenticity for their signed documents. It also ensures that nothing in the paper is illicit, protecting them from being prey to fraud.
What is the Notarization of Documents?
Notarization of Documents involves a notary public certifying the documents to ascertain their authenticity. During the process, it is necessary to have a witness. Further, the document’s signing is recorded to ensure that the process is not fraudulent. After checking the legitimacy and authenticity, concerned authorities who require those documents can trust your legitimacy for further processing.
During the notarization process, the notary public needs to inspect the identification thoroughly. The willingness to sign the documents and review the individual’s capability helps them make proper and sound decisions. Therefore, the notary public has every right to refuse to validate the individual/s signature during the notarization process. They might also reject it if they find any concerns about the content of the documents presented or the capability of the individual/s.
Who is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a public official that the state or central government appoints and serves the public by becoming an impartial witness. While performing official fraud-deterrent acts in connection with the signing of important documents in the presence of the concerned party. While also authenticating using a notary stamp on the papers presented. The documents that a notary public can notarize are as follows.
- Licenses
- Estates
- Contracts
- Loan documents
- Affidavits
- Deeds
- Powers of attorney
- Trusts
Must-Know Things When Notarizing a Document
Most of us find the whole notarization process quite daunting and challenging, so here are five vital things you need to be aware of while notarizing the documents. These will help you to prepare well for the notarization and thereby will be able to comprehend what it implies.
Contact the Relevant Notary Public
First, you have to identify the relevant notary public before going for notarization of the documents. Do thorough research and find only genuine notary public appointed by the state or central government. Then, post the identification of the relevant notary public, contact their office for an appointment.
Prepare the Documents Properly
Once you get the appointment, prepare all the documents that require notarization. While going to the notary public, you must carry at least two valid identifications and any documents, paperwork, or additional information that might be required. Once the paperwork and the information are in place for the notarization process, you must be present to witness the signatures by the notary public.
Real estate firms, for instance, must exercise extreme caution when it comes to document management. That’s because they deal with various documents, ranging from deeds to custodial papers, all of which must be signed. The signed documents are essential to close the transactions or get the loan processing started.
Identity Validation and Document Signature
Once the notary public validates your identity, the notary public will witness the signature. The notary public will also post that they will apply their notary stamp on the presented documents. They stamp or seal after a thorough scrutiny of the papers and the identification of the concerned party.
Seal or Stamp of Authentication
The Notary stamp or the seal on the documents indicates that the documents and the identification presented to the notary public are authentic. Hence, the notarization of documents is complete to the best of the knowledge of the notary public.
Reviewing Any Additional Information
Ask if you have any concerns about the notary fees or the documents presented to the notary public. The notary public clears all doubts to ensure a fully transparent process.
For a document to be considered legally binding, it must get notarized by a notary public to ensure that you are genuine and do not submit any forged documents to the authorities. So, when it comes to paperwork, whether you are an individual or a corporation, it is preferable to get it notarized to avoid any difficulties and save time and money.
