Have you been told that you needed to get some paperwork notarized? No what? Here's everything you need to know about getting documents notarized.  

What is a notary?

A notary, sometimes called a notary public, is a person appointed by their state of residence to be an impartial witness when documents need to be signed. 

What does it mean to get something notarized?

If you are told that you need to get a document notarized, it means that all parties need to sign the document in the presence of a notary. If you accidentally sign a document in advance, you will be asked to sign again by the notary so that they can witness you physically signing the document.

What type of documents need to be notarized?

The most common documents that need to be notarized are legal documents, like a will, bill of sale, power of attorney, or even end of life documents. 

What does a notary do and not do?

It is the job of the notary to ascertain that you are who you say you are, that you understand what you are signing, and that you are not confused or under duress. A notary will need to see current state-issued or federal-issued photo identification. They will not notarize your document without one. Birth certificates and Social Security cards lack a photo and are not an acceptable alternative. 

The notary will then ask if you understand what you are signing. It is important to note that it is not a notary's job to make sure the document is accurate, legal, or even fair, just that you understand what it is. If you are unsure about any document you need to sign, have a lawyer read through it first. 

Where can you find a notary?

If you are buying or selling a house and need legal documents signed, there are usually notaries on staff at both your real estate agent's office as well as at the title company. Another great place to find a notary is at your persona bank. If you have a checking, savings, or investment account at a physical bank or credit union location, they will often allow you to use their notary service at no charge.

You can also call a notary service. These are notaries that will come to your home or place of business for a fee. This is helpful when an elderly parent can't leave the house but has documents that need to be notarized. 

Having a notary witness your signature is a quick and easy process; just don't forget your license. Contact a company like Lomeli Industries LLC to learn more.