Notarized Affidavits: Why, When and How
As an official document verified by a notary public, an affidavit carries legal weight and significance. Knowing when and how to properly notarize an affidavit is important for ensuring its validity and enforceability.
You want to make sure you understand the key reasons for notarizing an affidavit, the correct process to follow, and how to find an authorized notary. Notarizing an affidavit incorrectly could undermine its legitimacy and impact you negatively in legal matters.
Following the proper procedures and understanding the implications of notarizing an affidavit will help give you confidence in the integrity and effectiveness of this legal document.
Why Get Affidavits Notarized?
There are several important reasons to have affidavits notarized.
First, notarization verifies the identity of the person signing the affidavit. The notary will check government-issued photo ID to confirm the signer is who they claim to be. This helps prevent fraud and ensures the information in the affidavit is legitimate.
Second, notarization makes an affidavit a legally binding document. The notary’s seal and signature formally authenticate the affidavit, giving it legal credibility. Courts, government agencies, and businesses will recognize a notarized affidavit as an official sworn statement.
Finally, notarization allows affidavits to be used for official purposes. Things like change of name affidavits, travel consent forms, and declarations must be notarized to be accepted for legal uses. Notarization gives affidavits the proper authority to be filed with courts and government offices.
In summary, the key benefits of notarizing affidavits are verification of identity, legal certification of documents, and enabling affidavits for official functions. While notarization is not legally required for all affidavits, it is highly advisable in most cases due to these important reasons. Having your affidavits properly notarized will ensure their validity and allow them to be used for critical legal and official purposes.
When Do You Need a Notarized Affidavit?
When executing legal documents like contracts or petitions, having them notarized adds an extra layer of legitimacy and security. A notary public will verify the identities of the signers and affix their stamp and signature, formally notarizing the affidavits.
There are several common situations where notarized affidavits are required:
- Real estate transactions. When buying, selling, or refinancing property, notarized affidavits like deeds, titles, and closing statements are typically needed. The notary ensures all parties sign the correct paperwork with a clear understanding of the terms.
- Petitions and oaths. Certain petitions, like those for name changes or adoptions, must be notarized. Affidavits where individuals swear under oath, such as for citizenship or court cases, also require notarization. The notary formally administers the oath and verifies the person’s identity.
- Financial and legal documents. Some banks require notarized signatures on documents like powers of attorney, living wills, and transfers of assets. Notaries also commonly notarize prenuptial agreements, divorce settlements, child custody agreements, and other legal contracts.
- International use. Documents intended for use in other countries often need to be notarized to be legally recognized. The notary’s stamp and signature verify the authenticity of the signer’s identity and signature for international use.
In summary, anytime you need to formally verify identities, administer oaths, or certify the legitimacy of signatures for legal, financial or official purposes, seeking notarization of documents is advisable. A notary public can notarize your affidavits to give them proper authority and acceptance.
How to Get an Affidavit Notarized Fastest (Online)
To get an affidavit notarized as quickly as possible, it’s usually best to use an online notary service. Online notarization allows documents to be signed and notarized remotely via live audio-video communication. Some key steps to take:
Find an Online Notary
Search online for “online notary” or “eNotary” along with your state name. Review the services and fees of a few options and choose one that meets your needs. Many offer 24/7 availability and can connect you with a notary in just a few minutes.
Prepare Your Document
Make sure you have a final version of your affidavit that is properly formatted and includes fields for the notary and signer. Most online notaries prefer documents in PDF format. You will need to provide a copy to the notary and have one available to sign during your video call.
Notarize IMMEDIATELY or Schedule an Appointment
Select a date and time for your notarization on the service’s website or mobile app and provide details about your document. The more information you can provide upfront, the more efficient your appointment will be. You will receive details about connecting via their secure video software.
Attend Your Video Meeting
At your scheduled time, join the secure video meeting link provided. Be prepared to show your unexpired, government-issued photo ID to the notary for identity verification. Keep your affidavit and ID in view of the camera at all times. Carefully go through each page and sign and initial where required. The notary will complete their sections, apply their seal or stamp, sign, and date.
Obtain Your Notarized Affidavit
The notary will scan and encrypt your signed document and send it to you electronically, typically via email. They will also retain a copy for their secure records as required by law. Be sure to save the notarized affidavit to have an official copy for your records as well.
Using an online notary public for affidavit notarization is convenient, compliant with most state laws, and helps ensure your document is notarized as quickly as possible. By following the proper steps, you can have your affidavit notarized and in your hands within a single day using these remote services.
Where to Find a Traditional Notary Public to Notarize Your Affidavit
To have an affidavit notarized, you will need to locate a notary public. Notaries can typically be found at places such as banks, credit unions, courthouses, public libraries, and shipping/mailing businesses.
Banks and Credit Unions
Most banks and credit unions offer notary services for members and non-members alike, usually at little or no cost. Call your local bank or credit union to inquire about their notary services and fees. They should be able to notarize your affidavit during normal business hours.
Courthouses
Most courthouses have a notary public on staff to notarize court documents. The notary at a courthouse may also be willing to notarize your personal affidavit, often for a small fee. Contact your local courthouse to check availability and fees for notarizing non-court documents.
Public Places
Some public libraries, post offices, and UPS/FedEx stores offer notary services on certain days and times. The notary in these locations typically charges a small fee for their services. Contact locations in your area to inquire about their notary availability and fees.
When meeting with a notary to have your affidavit notarized, be sure to bring government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, as well as payment for any fees. The notary will need to verify your identity before witnessing and notarizing your signature on the affidavit.
Following these steps will allow you to locate a notary public in your local area to legally notarize your personal affidavit. Be sure to call ahead to check availability, hours of operation, and fees to avoid potential delays in having your document notarized.
FAQs: Common Questions About Notarized Affidavits
Notarized affidavits are legal documents that must be signed and stamped by a notary public to be considered official. Below are some frequently asked questions about notarized affidavits.
What information should be included in an affidavit?
An affidavit should include:
- Your full legal name and address
- A statement of facts regarding the purpose of the affidavit (e.g. statement of income, statement of relationship, etc.)
- The date and location where the affidavit was signed
- Your signature witnessed by a notary public
When do I need a notarized affidavit?
You may need a notarized affidavit for various legal purposes, such as:
- Verifying your identity or relationship for the purpose of administering an estate
- Providing sworn testimony in a court case
- Applying for a passport, visa or other government documents
- Establishing facts related to a business (e.g. verifying employment)
How do I get an affidavit notarized?
To get an affidavit notarized, follow these steps:
- Sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public
- Provide government-issued photo ID to verify your identity
- Pay the notary public’s fee (typically between $5 to $15 per signature)
- Have the notary public complete their notary block on the affidavit
- Obtain the notary public’s seal and/or stamp on the affidavit
- Retain the original notarized affidavit for your records
Notarized affidavits serve an important legal function. By following the proper procedures and including the necessary information, a notarized affidavit can be a valid and useful document. If you have additional questions about notarized affidavits, consult with a legal professional.
Conclusion
With the essential information you now have about notarized affidavits, you can proceed confidently when the need arises. Notarization adds an official seal of approval and helps prevent fraud, providing peace of mind for all parties involved. While the process is straightforward, be sure to follow the proper procedures to ensure your affidavit is legally valid and enforceable. With the help of a notary public, notarizing an affidavit can be accomplished efficiently. Keep your original signed affidavit in a safe place, and provide copies to any individuals or organizations as needed for their official records. With notarization complete, you have taken an important step to authenticate an important document.