WHAT IS A NOTARY PUBLIC AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

• A notary public is an official appointed by the state government to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents and to administer oaths. They verify the identity of the signers, ensure that the signers are willing to sign without duress or intimidation, and that they are aware of the contents of the document.

WHAT TYPES OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRE NOTARIZATION?

• Common documents that require notarization include loan documents, affidavits, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, deeds, contracts, and other legal documents. Notarization helps prevent fraud and ensures that the signers are who they claim to be and are signing willingly.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NOTARY PUBLIC AND A LOAN SIGNING AGENT?

• While both notaries and loan signing agents can notarize documents, a loan signing agent has additional training to handle and notarize loan documents specifically. They are knowledgeable about the loan signing process and can guide borrowers through the mortgage paperwork, ensuring that all documents are correctly completed and signed.

DO I NEED TO BRING IDENTIFICATION TO A NOTARY APPOINTMENT?

• Yes, you will need to bring a valid, government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID) to your notary appointment. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing your signature on any document.

CAN A NOTARY PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR HELP WITH FILLING OUT DOCUMENTS?

• No, notaries are not authorized to provide legal advice or assist in filling out documents. They can only witness the signing of documents and verify the identity of the signers. For legal advice or assistance with document preparation, you should consult with an attorney.