Frequently Asked Questions
 

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a state-appointed public official who serves as an impartial witness to deter fraud by verifying the identity of signers, ensuring their willingness to sign, and confirming their understanding of documents.

What is a Jurat?
A Jurat is a distinct notarial act in which a notary public certifies that an individual has sworn or affirmed the truthfulness of a document’s contents. 

What is an Acknowledgement?
An acknowledgment is a notarial act in which a notary public verifies that the signer personally appeared, was properly identified, and willingly signed the document of their own accord.

What is a Loan Signing Agent?
A Loan Signing Agent (LSA) is a notary public with specialized training and certification to notarize loan documents. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the signing process for mortgage loan paperwork, ensuring all required signatures, initials, and dates are correctly placed and properly notarized. LSAs play a vital role in real estate transactions, particularly in the loan closing process.

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What Constitutes Valid Identification? 
Valid identification consists of official government-issued documents used to verify a person’s identity. These documents typically include a photograph of the individual and vary based on legal, financial, or travel-related requirements. 

Does Notarization Make a Document Legal?
Notarization does not confirm the accuracy or legality of a document’s content. The signer is solely responsible for its information. The Notary Public’s role is to verify the signer’s identity, typically by checking a valid government-issued ID that includes a photo, physical description, and signature. 

Can a Notary Provide Legal Advice?
NO, a Notary Public cannot give legal advice unless they are also a licensed attorney. Notaries are limited to performing specific duties related to the notarization of documents, such as verifying identities, witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and ensuring the proper execution of documents. Providing legal advice falls outside the scope of their authorized duties. 

What to Know Before Scheduling Your Notary Appointment?
  • All signer(s) must be present at the time of the appointment
  • All signer(s) must provide an original up-to-date photo ID (no copies or expired IDs)
  • The signer(s) must be of sound mind, alert, and mentally competent
  • The signer must want to sign the document being notarized
  • The document or form requiring notarization must be filled out. Notaries do not draw up documents or help you with filling out the document.

Why Your Document Could Not Be Notarized:
  • The document was incomplete or blank.
  • The signer was not physically present during the appointment.
  • The signer had been legally declared mentally incapacitated and had not been restored to capacity.
  • The signer could not provide valid government-issued identification.
  • The signer appeared intoxicated, sedated, or disoriented.
  • The Notary knew of, was informed of, or suspected the transaction to be illegal, false, or deceptive.

Fees:
Fees may vary depending on specific service(s), number of documents, time of day/night, and location.  Please contact us TODAY to provide and receive more details customized to your needs.