Frequently Asked Questions


Question 1.

WHAT IS A NOTARY PUBLIC?

A notary public is a person appointed by a state government to serve the public as an impartial witness during notarization of their documents. As ministerial officials, they uphold statutory rules ad does so without exercise of any significant personal discretion. 


Question 2.

WHAT IS A NOTARY PUBLIC REQUIRED TO DO DURING AN APPOINTMENT TO NOTARIZE A DOCUMENT?

During a notarization of a document, a notary public is required to:

  • Verify the identity of the signer using a valid government-issued ID that contains a photo.
  • Make sure the document contains the necessary notarial language to be able to be notarized by the notary public.
  • Ensure the document is complete and does not contain blank spaces.
  • Witness the signing of the document in person, by the correct signer.
  • Affix the official seal and the notary's signature and stamp to the document, making it official.
  • Record the notarization in the notary's journal, including the date, time, and the details regarding the notarization of the document.
  • Have the signer of the document sign their name to the journal and place their fingerprint next to the signature.
  •  Obtain the payment and provide the signer with a receipt or invoice of the transaction.


Question 3.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE SIGNER TO DO PRIOR TO THEIR APPOINTMENT WITH A NOTARY PUBLIC?

The signer is expected to do the following:

  • Review the document. Understand the purpose of the document they need notarized, where signatures and initials are required on the document and any areas needing notarization. Use sticky notes or tabs where signatures go.
  • Confirm appointment details: contact the notary to confirm details of the appointment details.
  • Dress professionally: Wear business casual attire and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to show respect for the notary public's time.
  • Know the notary process: So that you know what to do to make the notary public's job easier. It helps to be as helpful as possible.  
  • Double-check supplies: after the document has been notarized, make sure the document stays in perfect condition by placing in an envelope to ensure that the document remains valid by making sure the notary's stamp and signature remain on the document 

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