What do you notarize

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Partner Links. Not all "important" forms and documents require notarization. The process is used primarily in instances where an impartial witness is required to ensure the individual signing is who they present themselves to be. In fact, if a document is not original, complete and dated the same day, or does not have a specific indication on it where a notary stamp is required, a notary is not under obligation to complete the transaction.

Notaries are often employed by banks, investment firms, title companies and other financial institutes for the purpose of overseeing important document signing processes. Typically, documents signed in these environments include:. Businesses often have a need for notary services. While not every single important document requires notarization, some documents requiring these witnessed, verified kinds of signatures include:.

Travel and convenience fees for mobile Notary services may or may not be governed by state law. Most mobile Notaries will charge a separate fee for these services. Make sure you discuss and agree on any additional fee s before the Notary travels to your location.

When you're preparing for a notarization, double-check that you have all essential items for the process to go smoothly. Here is what you'll need to bring with you when getting something notarized:. Virtually any document can be notarized. However, exceptions are vital records such as a birth, marriage and death certificates. Notaries can't make or certify copies of these records.

You must go to the government agency that issued the certificate to get copies. In most cases, customers are dealing with papers containing highly sensitive information when seeking the services of a Notary Public.

So, it's important to find a qualified Notary who understands your state's laws. Look out for a few red flags before using a Notary's services. Notaries are not allowed to give legal advice or translate their title into foreign languages. Con artists use those methods to take advantage of immigrants who may not be familiar with the differences between the duties of American Notaries and Notaries from their home country.

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