Island Girl Notary

Island Girl Notary

  1. What is a Notary?
    1. A Notary is a “State Appointed Public Servant” who witnesses the signing of important documents and conducts oaths.
    2. A Notary is an “Impartial Witness” an “Observer” without bias.  There can be no financial or beneficial interests in the transaction they observe.
    3. Notaries serve “ALL” persons within their jurisdiction.
  2. What is a “Notarization”?
    1. A “Notarization” is the authentication of a document as genuine or the verification that a statement was made under “Oath”.
    2. A “Notarization” does not guarantee the truth or accuracy of the statement in a document.
    3. “Notarization” does not legalize or validate a document on it’s own.
  3. Every “Notarization” comprises five actions:
    1. The signer’s personal appearance before the Notary.
    2. Positive Identification of the signer.
    3. Screening for “willingness” and “awareness”.
    4. Making a record of the “Act” in a journal.
    5. Completing the certificate that describes what procedures the Notary followed.
  4. What can be expected during a “Typical Notarization”?
    1. The answer will depend on what you require what you know about the transaction and if you came prepared.  By reading the “Typical Notarization’s” area, you will get a better understanding of your needs.
  5. How long does a “Notarization” take?
    1. A “Typical” Notarization can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, or it might not happen at all.  It all depends on your needs, knowledge about the transaction and if you show up in front of the Notary prepared.
  6. What are the most common types of “Notarization”?
    1. Acknowledgements
      • An “Acknowledgement” is the most widely performed “Notarial” act.
      • It’s purpose is to certify a signer personally appeared before the Notary, was identified by the Notary and acknowledged freely by signing the document.
      • The document does not have to be signed in the Notary’s presence since the document signer is acknowledging having made the signature previously.
    2. Jurat
      • A “Jurat” compels the document signer to be truthful
      • “Jurats” are common with documents that may be used as evidence in court proceedings, such as depositions and affidavits.
      • When administering a “Jurat”, the Notary administers an “Oath” or “Affirmation” then the Notary witnesses the signature.
        • Sample Wording for “Oaths” – Do you solemnly swear that the statemets made in this document are the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?  Here you are taking an oath on a God or Supreme being.
        • Sample Wording for “Affirmations” – Do you “Affirm” that the statements made in this document are the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?  Here you are affirming on your own behalf.
    3. Copy Certification
      • The document custodian certifies the copy by making a written statement about the trueness, correctness and completeness of the copy.
      • The document custodian then signs the statement before the Notary, takes an “Oath” or “Affirmation” regarding the truth of the statement.
      • TIP – To see a list of documents not authorized for “Copy Certification” click here
  7. Can my document be Notarized without and ID?
    1. YES – There are (2) ways you can have a document Notarized without and ID.  BUT you should always check with your local Notary for guidance on the state’s Commissioning Regulation.
      1. Have a credible witness who also knows the Notary.  
        • This witness must be competent and impartial to the Notarization.
        • They can’t have a beneficial interest in the document OR be named in the document.
        • They will also need to take and “Oath” or “Affirmation” as to your identity.
      2. Have TWO (2) credible witnesses.
        • These witnesses must be competent and impartial to the Notarization.
        • They can’t have a beneficial interest in the document OR be named in the document.
        • They will both need to take and “Oath” or “Affirmation” as to your identity.
  8. Can you notarize a document over the phone?
    1. NO.  All parties must be present in front of the Notary and present proper ID.
  9. Can “Anyone” be a “Notary”?
    • I would check with your state’s Commissioning Office.  Most states minimum requirements are:
      • You must be at least 18 year old.
      • You must be able to read and write the “English” language.
      • No one convicted of a “Felony” shall be appointed unless they have been pardoned for the “Felony” or have their rights restored.
  10. Do I need a “Bond” or “Insurance”?
    • To get the most accurate answer to this question I suggest checking with your state’s Commissioning Office.
    • While not required in Virginia, you should consider “Liability” insurance for your own protection.
    • If you perform notarial duties in connection with your work, you may want to speak with your employer and see if you are covered under any of the corporate policies.

 

Island Girl Notary 2015 Island Girl Notary