10 Things You Need to Know About Finding the Right Notary

Posted by Maverick Lewis on April 15th, 2023

Are you looking for a notary service? You're not alone. Millions of people across the country need to use notary services daily. Finding the right notary can be tricky, so here are things you need to know about finding the right one for your needs. 

1) Know What a Notary Does –

A notary is a public officer appointed by the state government to serve as an impartial witness in legal transactions. They are responsible for verifying documents, such as affidavits, deeds, and contracts. They also administer oaths and take acknowledgments from those involved in the legal transaction or document signing process. 

2) Determine if It's Required –

Before looking for notary services, you should ensure you need one first! Some documents require a notarized signature, while others don't; it depends on the document type and state laws dictate such records.

3) Research Notaries Online –

A great way to find notary services  is by doing some research online. Many websites list local notaries in your area and provide reviews and ratings for each one, so you can easily find the best option for your needs. 

4) Check State Rules –

Each state has laws governing the role of a notary, so be sure to check those laws to ensure you're working with a legitimate notary. It's also important to note that some states may require the notary to have a professional license or certificate to perform certain tasks.

5) Verify the Notary –

Before hiring a notary service, you should ensure they are properly certified, licensed, and bonded. Not all notaries have the same qualifications, so it's important to check their credentials before hiring them. 

6) Ask Friends and Family -

If you know someone who has recently used notary services, it might be worth asking them for recommendations or advice on who to use in your area. That way, you can get firsthand feedback on how satisfied they were with their experience before deciding whom to hire. 

7) Consider Their Fees –

Every notary will charge different fees depending on their policies and procedures. Before hiring notary services, ask what kind of fees they charge, so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay up! 

8) Check For Licensing Requirements –

Each state has licensing requirements for being a certified or registered notary public, so make sure that whoever you hire meets these standards before proceeding any further with them! This step includes checking whether or not they have completed any educational courses related to becoming a notary and ensuring that their license is up-to-date and valid within your state's borders too! 

9) Verify Their Identity -

Additionally, as an extra precaution, you must verify the identity of your chosen Notary Public before they begin working with you on any legal documents or transactions since some states require this step anyway (and even if yours doesn't). This step can include having them show proof of residency (such as a driver's license) or providing references from past clients which would help give peace of mind knowing that everything is legitimate before proceeding further with them!                      

10) Ask About Special Requirements –

In some cases, certain legal documents may require additional steps beyond just having them signed by a Notary Public, such as having multiple witnesses present at signing time or having certain forms filled out beforehand (depending on the document type). Make sure both parties are aware of these special requirements ahead of time, so there are no surprises later down the line!                  

11) Have Documentation Ready –

When meeting with your chosen Notary Public for document signing day, make sure both parties bring all required paperwork and documentation needed beforehand so that everything goes smoothly during signing time without needing additional items afterward, which could delay things further (especially if there are special requirements involved like mentioned above!). These items include identification cards/passports etc., along with any relevant forms associated with the particular document(s) being signed too!  

12) Get Everything Signed & Sealed -

Lastly, once both parties have reviewed all paperwork, make sure everything gets signed off correctly (including signatures from witnesses if necessary!) so that everything gets properly sealed afterward, which helps provide further assurance that all legal documentation has been properly fulfilled according to state regulations/laws, etc.

Conclusion:

Finding the right notary service can be challenging, but following these tips will help ensure that everything goes smoothly from start to finish when searching for notary services in your area! Be sure to research potential candidates online beforehand and get referrals from family/friends who have recently used similar services, which can help narrow down choices even more quickly than otherwise! Always remember, though, no matter what route is taken, always double-check licensure requirements and specific state laws/regulations associated with the particular document(s) being signed before proceeding further. Just extra peace of mind knowing everything is handled legally according to applicable guidelines out there today! Ultimately, these steps should lead to finding the perfect fit for whatever needs, whether related to estate planning, personal matters, business dealings, etc. Good luck out there, searchers!