Where Can I Get Something Notarized?
Published February 18, 2021
Many different documents need notarization to make them official and legal. You’re going to need notarization if you want to use these documents to make several legal claims and purposes. But where exactly can you get something notarized? Keep reading to learn more about notarized documents, when you need them, and where to get them.
What is notarization?
Notarization is when a third party, commonly known as a notary public, verifies your identity and witnesses you signing the document. In some cases, you may even have to swear an oath or affirm that the information you have provided is all accurate and factual. Notarization may cover all types of documents and adds to their legitimacy.
Where to get something notarized?
One place you can typically get something notarized, and for free at that, is the bank. Banks go through tons of documents needing notarization in a day, and most of them offer their services for free. If you go to a bank that you are not a customer of, you may need to pay a minimal fee or be advised to go to your own bank. Other financial institutions, like credit unions, tax preparation firms, and insurance company offices, may also offer notarization services.
Why do you need notarization?
Notarization effectively makes a document official and legal. This makes the document more substantial, especially in the event of conflicts. Many people have documents notarized because the law requires them to do so. In other cases, institutions will need notarized documents before you can make a claim or transaction.
How notarization works
There’s not really too much complication in the notarization process. You present the document to a notary public and sign it in front of them. They then notarize the document with the use of an official stamp, indicating the date and signing the document themselves. The notary often requires you to present a photo ID as well to ensure that you’re actually who you claim to be. Additionally, they will also validate that you understand what you are signing and that you’re doing so intentionally.
As we’ve mentioned, all documents may be notarized. However, not all of them need to be. Those that commonly require notarization include the following:
- Power of Attorney (POA)
- Notice of Lien
- Affidavit of Heirship
- Designating Beneficiaries for Death Benefits
- Deed of Trust
- Rental Agreements
- Promissory Notes
- Deed of Sale
Types of notarization
Different types of notarization exist for various purposes. Here are the most common ones:
- Acknowledgments - The first type is for documents that involve ownership of assets like deeds and mortgages. Acknowledgments are meant to confirm the signer’s identity and affirm that he was not forced or coerced into signing.
- Jurats - This type is performed on affidavits and depositions to confirm their truthfulness. This will typically involve the notary guiding the signer through an oath validating the information provided.
- Signature Witnessing - This is the most common type of notarization. The notary will confirm that you are who you claim to be and that you signed the document in their presence.
- Copy Certifications - This type of notarization is required when the notary makes copies of an original document and certifies that the copies made are authentic, complete, and exact.
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About The Author
Terrence Tan Ting is an industrial engineer by profession but a full time writer by passion. He loves to write about a wide range of topics from many different industries thanks to his undying curiosity.