Whether you’re a business owner purchasing a brick-and-mortar storefront or a divorcee writing up a separation affidavit, understanding notary services is essential to protect and authenticate your affairs. In addition to certifying signatures on legal forms, notaries track, stamp, and seal your records, following strict regulations to keep your documents secure.
So, whether you’re a seasoned notary public client or scouring the web asking, “where can I find a mobile notary near me?” it never hurts to know the different types of notarizations and their uses.
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Remote notary services
Remote notary services allow businesses to bypass inefficient back-and-forth trips when notarizing numerous documents. With virtual signature authentication and traveling notary publics, owners can keep operations running smoothly during certification stages.
Additionally, remote notaries provide an audit trail and tamper-proof certificates, keeping documentation protected through the authentication process. However, some states don’t allow digital services, requiring signature witnesses and copy certification. So, read up on local laws before hiring a notary public.
Notarizing signature witnessing
The most common notary procedure is signature witnessing, used to authorize and document matching photo identification and proper signage. After verification, the notary stamps the document, adding the current date and their name.
Though often confused, signature witnessing and acknowledgments different processes. With an acknowledgment, clients can authenticate documents without a notary physically attending. On the other hand, signature witnessing requires the notary public and signer to be present during the procedure.
Certified true copy certification
Official documents often need notarization to prove whether they are original or a copy. Notaries add their stamps to authorize replications of actual documents. The most common notarized copies include driver’s licenses, medical records, vehicle titles, and other government documents.
During this process, the organization that holds the original document makes a copy, then presents it to a notary to certify its certification status.
Witnessing oaths and affirmations
Some ceremonies require notaries to witness oaths and affirmations, documenting the affairs spoken. After hearing parties recite affirmations, notaries sign documents certifying all parties involved clearly understand uttered declarations. Notaries usually sign wedding or other ceremonial documents that involve spoken words and other formal gestures.
However, these specific notaries don’t authorize oaths or affirmations performed remotely, so ensure you secure an in-person notary before delving into legal declarations.
Jurats notarizations
A jurat combines signature witnessing and oaths, enabling the notary to verify signatures on an official document as the signer swears an affirmation accurate to documented information. If the paper includes false information, persons involved in legal declarations can face legal fines and citations.
Typically, Jjurat notarizations occur when an attorney needs an affidavit or deposition authorized.
Notarizing acknowledgments
During an acknowledgment notarization procedure, the notary verifies that the person signing documentation has legal identification and is offering their signature voluntarily. The typical acknowledgment documents include:
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Trusts
- Other contracts
In an authorization procedure, the signer must be present with the notary. Usually, clients acknowledge they’re signing willingly and without pressure. Additionally, notaries can authorize a previously signed document with party verification. Plus, an attorney-in-fact can act as a proxy for an acknowledgment notarization procedure.
Wrap up
Notaries have several documents and ceremonies they can authorize, including spoken oaths, witnessed signatures, and remote signatures. States have different requirements for notaries to stamp and seal documents, so knowing the types and local regulations can help you stay informed and confident the next time you require notarization services.