General Information about Notarization
A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by the California Secretary of State to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official acts including administering oaths and affirmations and performing other acts related to the signing of important documents as authorized by law.
It is the foremost duty of a Notary to screen the signers of particularly sensitive documents — such as property deeds, wills, and powers of attorney — for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the general importance of the document. Some notarizations also require the Notary to put the signer under an oath declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.
What are mobile notary public services?
A mobile Notary Public is a trusted person that travels to a home, office, or specified location in order to administer oaths, affirmations, and perform notarization of documents as authorized by law.
Common Questions?
Why are documents notarized? To deter fraud. An impartial witness (the Notary) ensures that the signers of documents are who they say they are and not impostors. The Notary makes sure that signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly. Notaries create a trustworthy environment where strangers are able to share documents with full confidence in their authenticity.
May any document be notarized? For a document to be notarized, it must contain: 1) text committing the signer in some way, 2) an original signature (not a photocopy) of the document signer, 3) a notarial “certificate” which may appear on the document itself or on an attachment. The Notary fills in the certificate, signs it, then applies his or her seal to complete the notarization.
Does notarization mean that a document is "true" or "legal"? No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of documents they notarize. Notaries certify the identity of signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.
What is a Certified Signing Agent?
A Certified Loan Signing Agent is a bonded, insured background checked notary that utilizes his/her knowledge of mortgage documents to assist buyers, sellers, and borrowers to sign their loan documents, we coordinate with the title company, escrow company and the signers to schedule a time and location that is convenient to you. When the documents have been properly signed and notarized your Signing Agent will return them to the appropriate company as instructed by the originating person or company that contracted with the Signing Agent....