A notary public is an official appointed by the state government to serve as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. These officials are crucial in preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of legal documents.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
Notaries public perform several important functions:
- Verify Identity: They confirm the identity of document signers through government-issued identification.
- Witness Signatures: They observe the signing of documents to ensure they are executed voluntarily.
- Administer Oaths: They can administer oaths and affirmations for affidavits and depositions.
- Certify Copies: They certify that copies of certain documents are true copies of the originals.
When Do You Need a Notary?
There are many situations where you might need notary services:
- Real estate transactions (deeds, mortgages, closing documents)
- Legal documents (affidavits, power of attorney, wills)
- Financial documents (loan agreements, promissory notes)
- Business documents (contracts, partnership agreements)
- Personal documents (consent forms, medical directives)
Why Notarization Matters
Notarization adds a layer of protection against fraud. When a document is notarized, it means:
- The signer's identity has been verified
- The signer appeared willingly and understood what they were signing
- There's an official record of the transaction
If you need documents notarized, BLL Notary Services offers professional, convenient mobile notary services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.