What is a Notary?
Ever needed something notarized? Maybe you bought a house and needed a loan. Or maybe a friend gave you Power of Attorney during an emergency. Whatever the case, you probably had to find a notary. But maybe you weren’t sure where to begin. Everyone knows the term, but what is a notary?
Notaries are neutral third parties who confirm the signer is who they say they are. And they also verify the signer’s understanding and consent. Notaries play a huge role in fraud protection! They’re making sure things are done properly.
A notary is an added layer of protection in validating legal documents. And a great source of extra income. So if you’re new to the notary game, read on!
Where do I start?
If you need a notary, you can usually try the bank or post office. Sometimes you can even go to the town hall. Or, maybe, you want something even easier: eNotarization with BlueNotary.
Regardless of how you do it, notarization always requires valid identification. Even online, photo ID is still needed. Luckily, high level encryption keeps your information safe.
What do Notaries do?
Notaries help prevent legal disputes over the validity of a document. They also help avoid potential misunderstandings between parties. Notaries are relied on to provide a true and accurate record.
Big decisions like buying or selling property or getting married require notaries. But that’s not the only time they’re needed. Notaries may present for major business transactions. Depositions are just part of working with loans and mergers. Some states require this for legally binding documents.
Notaries are essential to ensure authenticity of every document.
Especially when only one signature needs validation. Single signature notarization could be international money transfers. These services are priceless when it comes to keeping your data secure.
What responsibilities do Notaries have?
The signature and stamping is pretty straightforward. But there’s a little more for notaries to pay attention to. First, assuring documents are signed willingly. Just as important as consent, is the signer’s alertness. They must understand what they are signing. Forget these steps and the document is void, something no notary wants.
Notaries also must comply with State laws. This means accurate record keeping, usually with a logbook and keeping copies of documents.
Notaries are generally required to fulfill state-set legal qualifications as part of their different responsibilities. This typically includes citizenship or permanent residency status within the U.S., the person’s age being not less than 18, no felony convictions, and the completion of a course for training as a notary. Through most of the states, the candidates have to go through a notary exam, buy a notary bond, and get a notary stamp (seal).
Once they are granted a commission, notaries are apt to renew their license every 4 years, in most cases, as it is in accordance with the laws of that state. This ensures ongoing compliance with current laws and proper execution of duties. Failure to meet these credentials may invalidate notarizations and expose both the signer and notary to legal risks.
Notarization is invalid if the notary has any interest in the case. For example, notaries cannot verify their own identity. They go through the process just like everyone else!
Ok, I get ‘what is a notary’, but where do I find one?
Need notarization but don’t know where to start? Luckily, there’s several way to find a convenient notary near you. The easiest? Simply use an online directory of local notaries and search with your zip code!
Of you can always check with local banks that may offer notary services on-site. Many businesses have a notary on staff. It never hurts to ask!
Tips for Choosing a Notary
Choosing the right notary can streamline your legal process. Consider the following:
- Certification & Commission: Ensure the notary is authorized in your state.
- Specialization: Some notaries specialize in real estate, medical, or legal transactions.
- Reputation: Look for reviews or references, especially for mobile or online notaries.
- Availability: Consider flexible hours or same-day service for urgent needs.
- Cost Transparency: Ask upfront about fees to avoid hidden costs.
Resources like the National Notary Association or public directories can help you locate trustworthy notaries in your area.
Or check out what online platforms can offer! eNotaries can do everything a traditional notary can. But now you can save time and money by eliminating the need for travel! Legal documents can mean an already difficult time. Take away some of that stress and stay home!
Is there a free option?
Sometimes banks offer free services for members, most likely you’ll have to pay a fee. Or try calling to see if any law firms offer notarization services. Most only do this for clients, but may still notarize for a fee.
Be specific when asking what kind of documents they notarize. Don’t waste your own time, ask before making an appointment or visiting an office. Basic documents can be done anywhere, but some are more complicated ones may have different standards.
What Is the Notarization Financial Issue?
The fees for a notary mostly vary between $5 and $15 for each signature. The majority of states have statutes that define the maximum fees charged by a notary up to a certain level. As an example, in California, the uppermost fee is fixed at $15 per signature. Additional services like administering oaths or completing acknowledgments may incur separate fees.
Costs may increase based on factors such as:
- Type of document (depositions, affidavits, real estate contracts).
- Urgency of the request (expedited services may cost more).
- Travel time for mobile notaries.
- Specialization (notaries familiar with legal or real estate documents may charge premium rates).
Always confirm pricing with the notary beforehand to avoid surprises.
Discover the Power of BlueNotary:
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Join the Free Notary Training Facebook Group
Can I do this remotely?
Yes! Video conferencing platforms like BlueNotary facilitate secure audio/video sessions. And we use bank grade encryption to keep you safe.
What documents need notarization?
Notarization is a requirement in most States. It authenticates signatures on legal forms and other important documents.
This could be affidavits, deeds, contracts, or mortgage paperwork. In some cases, banks may notarize some forms to open an account.
How does it work?
1) The person signing must present valid identification such as a driver’s license or passport;
2) That person must sign the document in front of the notary;
3) The notary must confirm the identity through valid identification and after that put the signature and seal on the document, their the stamp of authenticity and which is a required formality in a notarial act.
At this stage, the document is now set to be used as evidence in court, in case the need arises.
It’s essential to read the documents first before signing any of them. This is particularly important in the case of legally binding agreements. Should you have any doubts as to the document, it is advisable that you visit the local courthouse or consult a private attorney to get a better understanding of what you are about to sign.
How to Get Ready for a Notarization Appointment?
To ensure a hassle-free notarization process, individuals should:
- Carry a photo ID (for example, a passport or a driver’s license) that is valid and issued by the government.
- Check that all the papers are completely filled in — they must be signed in front of the notary, however.
- Review the document contents in advance. If unclear, consult a legal professional prior to signing.
- Arrive with all required parties. Some documents require multiple signers or witnesses to be present.
- If opting for a remote session, verify internet access and webcam functionality ahead of time.
Being prepared minimizes delays and helps the process go smoothly.
Benefits of eNotarization
For Businesses
eNotaries offer the same services for less money. Remote notarization is especially vital for clients who may not be in the same location. Coordinating schedules can be a hassle resulting in costly delays. eNotaries use secure digital platforms to authentic documentation. Both you and your clients can rest easy knowing BlueNotary uses bank grade encryption to protect all data transfers.
For Individuals
Health concerns and remote areas make in person appointments difficult for a lot of people. But with eNotarization, they still get access to the same services online.
No more looking for banks with extended hours. Or rearranging your schedule to make room for a 2 hour meeting with a notary. BlueNotary offers flexibility so paperwork is done quickly! This is huge for urgent matters, like taxes or estate planning.
The Bottom Line
For saving time and money, Notarization is a game changer. Moving online is more than just a convenience, it’s necessary to keep up with changing times. And high level security lets you actually enjoy all that time you save.
