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Notary Public FAQs

Navigating the World of Notarization: What You Need to Know

Ever wondered what types of documents require a notary public? We often get calls from clients asking us to notarize something, but not really understanding what they need. So we help clients understand when notarization is necessary and when it’s not.

First, notarization ensures that a trusted professional, a notary public who is licensed by the state, verifies your identity and confirms you’re signing a document willingly. Whether you’re searching for a notary near me or need trusted notary services, here’s your notary public faqs; what you should know about what can and can’t be notarized near me.

“What Documents Can Be Notarized?”

We’re a licensed notary public and we can help with a wide range of documents to ensure they are legally binding and authentic. Some of the documents you might run across that require notarization include:

1. Legal Affidavits

Affidavit simply means you are making a sworn statement in the document. Financial institutions require these all the time. But so do other places. Most affidavits need to be notarized.

2. Real Estate Documents

Real estate transactions, such as deeds, living wills, and lease agreements, typically require notarization. Notary services ensure these documents are executed correctly.

3. Mortgage and Loan Documents

Notarization is required by lenders, and also for recording land transfer or finance documents with the los angeles county registrar-recorder county clerk. 

4. Advanced Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney

These documents are especially sensitive because they involve life and death. Many people are involved taking care of their loved ones, so powers of attorney come up all the time.

Notarization confirms the signer’s intent and ensures no coercion was involved.

5. Commercial Agreements

From business leases to contracts, notarization protects all parties involved in these transactions. If you’re searching for notarized near me, a trusted notary public like us is here to help with all your notarization needs.

6. Passport Applications

If you or a family member is traveling with a minor, the foreign country will often require a notarized parental consent form. Feel free to ask us to help prepare and notarize the form. 

Other documents

There are many other documents that may require notarization such as  employment contracts, investment forms, and other types of letters requiring notarization of your signature on the document. Remember, a signer must be present for us to notarize their signature. 

notary public faq

“What Documents Can’t Be Notarized?”

While notary services cover a broad spectrum of documents, there are certain cases where notarization isn’t possible:

1. Incomplete or Altered Documents

If it’s apparent that an official document has been doctored, which is illegal, we simply can’t notarize it because by doing so we would help the person signing commit a fraud.

2. Missing Identification

Valid government-issued identification is essential for notarization. Without it, no matter what notary near me you go to, you won’t get your document notarized. 

3. Minors or Signers Under Duress or unable to communicate

There are certain instances where there’s something about the signer that prevents us from notarizing the document. For example, a notary public cannot notarize documents if the signer can’t communicate (“When notarizing a signature on a document, a notary public must be able to communicate with the customer in order for the signer either to swear to or affirm the contents of the affidavit or to acknowledge the execution of the document.”. This can happen, for instance, when the signer has a mental incapacity.

4. Certain Restricted Documents

Birth or Death Certificates: These documents are issued by government agencies and don’t require notarization. We could notarize a statement made that the document

is true and correct. This happens sometimes when the person is submitting the document to a foreign country.

How to Prepare for Notarization

To ensure a smooth process:

1. Bring your valid government issued photo identification. It can’t be just a copy on your phone..

2. Complete your document before meeting the notary (except for your signature). Sometimes clients fill out their document in front of us. While we can do our best to help you understand the plain meaning of the language

in the document, we’re not allowed to induce you to rely our statements.

3. Double-check for blank spaces or errors. Many clients come in with documents that are incomplete.

If you’re still unsure, call us for guidance.

Why Choose Anshin Notary for Your Notarization Needs?

At Anshin Notary, we pride ourselves on providing efficient and reliable notary services. Whether you’re looking for a notary near me or require mobile notary services, our team is here to help with your legal and personal documents.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you need a notary public or want to learn more about what can and cannot be notarized near me, call us today. 

notary public faq