By signing and affixing an official seal on certificate wording, a Notary confirms that the signature was properly notarized and that they had proper authority to notarize the signature — but for some people, that isn’t enough. Some Notaries have been asked to go further and fill out and sign an affidavit where they swear or affirm that they are authorized to perform their duties and that they notarized a document on a certain date. Some of these affidavits may ask the Notary to describe the type of identification used and the type of document signed.
Read MoreSo, if the hybrid requires you to take the signer’s acknowledgment and administer an oath, do both. If the wording says, “Signed and acknowledged before me,” you must actually witness the signature and have the signer acknowledge signing the document. The signer couldn’t sign the document before coming to acknowledge his or her signature to you.
Read MoreNotaries are often asked to certify that a photocopy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. However, Notaries aren't allowed to certify copies in every state. Here are some important copy certification facts that all Notaries should know.
Read MoreImagine you are asked to notarize a signature — and you realize the individual whose signature is on the document isn't present. "I'll sign it," says the person who brought you the document. "I have power of attorney to act for them."
Read MoreWhile it’s possible to notarize a document written in a foreign language, it’s very important to take steps to ensure you aren’t being misled about the document’s content or the signer’s intentions before you proceed. Here are three important questions to ask before notarizing.
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