The latest in notary, Apostille, and business news from New York, NY.
Many Notaries have contacted us asking, “A signer just gave me a photocopy of his driver’s license. Can I accept it as ID?” Because many people used photos of vaccination cards for admission to restaurants and businesses during COVID-19, presenting copies of official records gained widespread acceptance. Is it OK to accept copies of ID when notarizing, whether physical or a photo taken with a phone?
Read MoreMost states have enacted permanent laws that authorize Notaries to perform remote online notarizations. With a remote notarization, the signer and Notary appear before each other using technology that allows them to simultaneously communicate with each other by sight and sound. Think of remote online notarization as a new way for signers to personally appear before a Notary. Since not all states have enacted these laws, Notaries in states that don't authorize remote notarization must still require the signer to appear physically in person before the Notary.
Read MoreIf the patient’s family or caregivers are present, be on the lookout for any signs that might indicate that they are coercing the patient to sign the paperwork, especially if they have any vested interest in the documents being signed, such as a financial power of attorney.
Read MoreNew Jersey will authorize the remote notarization of both paper and electronic records. Signers may send Notaries the physical documents to the Notary or upload their documents through a RON provider and complete the notarial act online. NJ Notaries may notarize documents for signers in any location, but the Notaries themselves must be physically present within the state during the notarization. To become a remote Notary in New Jersey, your commission must be active and you must notify the State Treasurer prior to performing your first remote notarial act.
Read MoreAs a Notary, you are required to refuse a notarization if the request is illegal. If someone wants you to perform a notarization and you aren't sure if it’s OK to proceed, ask yourself the following 3 questions. 1. Are you being asked to skip, ignore or falsify part of the notarization? If the answer is “yes,” that’s a clear warning sign the notarization shouldn’t be performed. Any request to skip personal appearance or identification of the signer, completion of the certificate wording or other essential elements is an immediate sign that something isn’t right.
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