There are many types of documents that must be notarized to be legal. Deeds, trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and medical documents are a few. Notarizing a document ensures that the signature of each person signing the document is valid. It also verifies that they are signing the document of their own free will and not being forced to do so.
Notaries Explained
A notary not only signs documents to verify that they saw them being signed, but stamps them with their seal. The seal is typically made using a device that creates an embossed or raised area on the document. Each state has their own requirements regarding the notary seal. Some permit an ink stamp while others require the seal to be embossed.
Within the seal is the notary’s information. It will include their commission number and expiration date. Information can vary by state as well, but most require the name of the state and/or county. The signature of the notary is required. When a document is notarized, this does not mean that the information contained is true or legal.
The notary only verifies the signatures of the people signing by checking their identification and the date the document was signed. The notary is supposed to be alert for signs that a document is not being signed willingly. He or she is not supposed to notarize a document if the person appears to be unable to understand what they are signing.
Why are Notaries Important?
This is an important service, especially today, because identity theft has risen over the last few years. Important legal documents can be forged. This is one of the reasons that a notary must verify the identity of the person signing the document and they must sign in front of the notary. They cannot bring a document that has been signed beforehand and have it notarized.
A notary must keep a record of all transactions they notarize. The records make it easier for transactions to be traced in case fraud is committed. They should be kept in a journal. Depending on the state, they are to be maintained for so many years after the last notarization or until their notary term expires. The records can be helpful if a document is misplaced or if it is changed after it was signed.
There are many instances when a notarized statement, document, or affidavit is needed. Courts accept notarized statements from witnesses. It is very likely that at some time or another, you will need to have something notarized. You may need something notarized in a hurry. This is why services such as Mailbox Rentals USA provide a notary new york city.
