At some point in your life, you may have come across a notary public and wondered what exactly they do. A notary is a person who witnesses the signing of documents and administers oaths.
In other words, they serve as an impartial third party to certify that the signatures on a document are real and that the signer is aware of the implications of the document they’re signing.
While their services are not always required, there are certain situations where having a notary can be very helpful. For example, if you’re buying a house or getting married, you may need a notary to sign off on some documents.
How to Become a Notary
If you’re interested in become a notary online, there are a few steps you’ll need to take. First, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record. Next, you’ll need to complete a training program and pass an exam. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be sworn in by a judge or another official and will be ready to start working as a notary.
What Does a Notary Do?
As we mentioned before, notaries witness signatures and administer oaths. Oaths are essentially promises that the person making them will tell the truth. Notaries often administer oaths during depositions or trials.
In addition to this, notaries also keep records of the documents they’ve witnessed being signed. These records are called “journals” and contain important information about the document and the people who signed it.
A common question asked by many is “is there a notary near me?” Notaries can be found in banks, law firms, and even some retail stores. To avoid inconveniences, you need to get the services of a notary public within your city or near where you reside.
Types of Documents that Need to be Notarized
There are certain types of documents that are typically notarized in order to make them legally binding. Documents that need notarizing can be:
- Contracts
- Deeds
- Leases
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits
In some cases, two witnesses may be required in addition to the notary in order for the document to be considered legal.
The Notarizing Process
The first step in getting a document notarized is to find a notary public. You can usually find one at your local bank or post office, or you can contact your state’s Secretary of State office for more information. Once you’ve found a notary, you’ll need to present them with your identification and other requirements so they can verify your identity.
Next, you’ll sign the document in front of the notary public. The notary will then sign and stamp the document to indicate that it has been properly witnessed and notarized. At this point, the document is now legally binding.
The Importance of Notarized Documents
Notarized documents are important because they help to prevent fraud and ensure that everyone involved in a legal transaction is on the same page. Without proper witnessing and notarization, it would be much easier for individuals to commit fraud or sign documents against their will. So next time you’re asked to get something notarized, now you’ll know why it’s necessary!
Where Can a Notarized Document Be Used?
There are countless examples of situations where you might need to get a document notarized. Therefore, it is essential to know what documents need to be notarized. Here are just a few examples:
- Reviewing a Contract
- Powers of Attorney
- Wills
- Real Estate Documents
- Insurance Documents
Takeaway
A notarized document is a powerful thing. It’s your way of vouching for the authenticity of a document, and it can be used in a variety of legal situations. To get a notarized document, you’ll need to get help from a notary public.
A notary public is an important figure who provides an essential service by witnessing signatures and administering oaths. Above are some facts about notaries and the importance of notarized documents.
