A Notary Public plays a critical role in preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of important documents. They serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents, confirming the identity of the signers and verifying their willingness to sign without coercion. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we understand how vital this step is in protecting your legal rights and ensuring your documents are legally binding.
Why Notarization Matters for Legal Documents
In many cases, notarization is not just a formality — it is a legal requirement. Certain legal transactions, from real estate agreements to affidavits, are invalid without the acknowledgment or jurat provided by a notary. Notarization helps:
- Confirm the authenticity of signatures
- Reduce the risk of forgery or fraud
- Ensure the parties understand the document they are signing
- Comply with state or federal legal requirements
By hiring a reputable mobile notary like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, you gain peace of mind knowing your documents meet legal standards without the hassle of traveling to an office.
When You Should Hire a Notary Public
Real Estate Transactions
Real estate dealings often require multiple notarized documents, such as deeds, mortgage agreements, and title transfers. These transactions typically involve large sums of money, making fraud prevention crucial. Hiring a mobile notary ensures every signature is verified on-site, whether at your home, office, or the closing table.
Power of Attorney (POA) and Healthcare Directives
If you are granting someone authority to act on your behalf — especially for financial or medical decisions — a notarized power of attorney is often essential. This adds a layer of security, ensuring that no one can question the document’s validity in court or in medical situations.
Wills and Trusts
While not every state requires wills and trusts to be notarized, it’s highly recommended to do so. Notarization can help avoid disputes over authenticity after a loved one’s passing. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we regularly assist clients in notarizing estate planning documents in the comfort of their own homes.
Loan and Financial Documents
Banks, lenders, and other financial institutions often require notarization for loan agreements, refinancing papers, and investment documents. Having a mobile notary means you can complete the process quickly without interrupting your busy schedule.
Affidavits and Sworn Statements
An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. Courts often require these documents to be notarized to ensure their validity. Hiring a professional notary ensures your affidavit is executed correctly.
Adoption and Immigration Paperwork
Adoption forms, consent agreements, and various immigration-related applications often need notarization. This is especially important when documents are sent overseas, where additional authentication like apostilles may be required.
The Benefits of Choosing a Mobile Notary Service
Convenience and Time-Saving
Traditional notary services require you to visit their office, which can be inconvenient. With Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we come to you — whether at home, the office, or another location — making the process fast and stress-free.
Flexible Scheduling
Our mobile notary services are available outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends. This flexibility ensures you can have your documents notarized when it’s most convenient for you.
Privacy and Comfort
Some documents involve sensitive personal or financial information. A mobile notary allows you to complete the process in a private setting, ensuring confidentiality.
Live Scan Fingerprinting and Notarization Together
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we offer both notary public services and Live Scan fingerprinting. Many legal processes, such as professional licensing, adoption, and immigration, require both notarized documents and fingerprint background checks. By choosing our services, you can handle both requirements in one appointment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Notary
Not Bringing Proper Identification
A notary must verify your identity using a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Forgetting this will delay the process.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Some documents have strict deadlines. Hiring a notary at the last moment may lead to unnecessary stress. It’s best to book in advance.
Using an Unlicensed Notary
Always confirm your notary is commissioned by the state. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, our notaries are licensed, insured, and experienced in a wide range of legal documents.
How to Prepare for a Notarization Appointment
Review Your Documents in Advance
Ensure all pages are complete, and any required attachments are ready. The notary cannot give legal advice but can confirm all required signatures are in place before notarizing.
Understand the Type of Notarization You Need
There are two main types:
- Acknowledgment: The signer declares they understand the document and signed it voluntarily.
- Jurat: The signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true.
Ensure All Signers Are Present
For documents requiring multiple signatures, everyone must be present at the time of notarization with their valid identification.
Why Choose Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan
When it comes to safeguarding your legal documents, experience and professionalism matter. Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan offers:
- Mobile convenience anywhere in Los Angeles and surrounding areas
- Flexible hours, including weekends and evenings
- Expertise in handling sensitive and high-value transactions
- Combined services for notarization and Live Scan fingerprinting
Whether you’re closing a real estate deal, finalizing a will, or completing immigration paperwork, we ensure the process is smooth, secure, and legally compliant.
FAQs About Hiring a Notary Public
1. Do all legal documents require notarization?
No, not all legal documents need to be notarized. However, certain documents, such as deeds, affidavits, and powers of attorney, often require notarization to be legally valid.
2. Can a notary public provide legal advice?
No. A notary public is not allowed to give legal advice unless they are also a licensed attorney. Their role is limited to verifying identity, witnessing signatures, and administering oaths.
3. How much does a mobile notary cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of document, number of signatures, and travel distance. Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan offers competitive pricing and transparent quotes before your appointment.
4. What forms of ID are acceptable for notarization?
Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID that is current and valid.
5. Can you notarize documents for use in another country?
Yes. If your document will be used internationally, you may also need an apostille or authentication. We can guide you through the steps to ensure your notarized document meets foreign requirements.
