Document notarization is More than Just Signing a Piece of Paper

Almost everyone in the United States has, at one time or another had to have a document notarized. They probably do not know why someone they probably don't know has to witness the signing some piece of paper. This  article is  addressing  some of the  common queries  that people have about document  notarization and what is the function of a notary public. With notary services online, such kind of  queries are like  an  everyday affair.

So, what is exactly a Notary Public? How important it is  to get a  document public notarized?  In the simplest terms, this is a trained and licensed person who verifies that the person signing a document is, in fact, who they claim to be. The purpose of the Notary Public is to be an objective observer who has no personal interest in the proceedings, and who will not benefit in any way from the signing of the document. Everything remains same when  you are performing  notary services online. If the Notary fails to verify the identity of the signer, somebody could easily commit fraud, or commit forgery. The whole purpose of the Notary Public's job (even when he is providing notary services online) is to verify that the person who signs the document is the person whose name is typed or printed under the space for the signature. When a  document is  notarized,  it is  known  to have  a legal sanction  which  gives the  document a  weightage  in the legal premise.

How the Process Takes Place

The person, who is having a document notarized, must personally appear in front of the Notary Public. Wondering how  will  it happen if you are getting  notary services online? Well,   you will get in a face to face live chat with the government notary.  Once you appear before the notary public, you must also present a government-issued photo ID card to prove that you are indeed who you say you are. These actions are necessary to prevent someone else from falsity, and therefore fraudulently, signing the document as someone else, whose name is on the document as the executor of the document. This verifies for everyone involved, and other interested parties, both now and at a later time, that the signature on the document is in fact the true, valid, signature of the person named as the executor of that document. Each State has its own laws concerning who can be a Notary Public, the training required, the types of documents that can be notarized, the types of notarizations allowed in that State, and other requirements and restrictions related to the office of the Notary Public.

Types of Public Notarization

There are generally two (2) types of notarized public documents done in the U. S.

1.Sworn documents -- These documents have a section that states that the signor states or declares, under oath, that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge, etc. The person signing these documents has to raise their right hand and take an oath or swear that the document is true and correct. The Notary Public has to administer this oath. Even a  will is also a  sworn  document.

2.Affidavits -- These documents require that the signor acknowledge that the document is true and correct. The Notary Public is verifying that she/he witnessed the signature of the person executing the document. There is no oath involved in this type of notarization. Unlike the  Sworn  docs, this is  somewhat hassle free and straightforward. However  in any case,  the  process remains  same, even  when you leverage notary services online.

Are the status of a lawyer & a Notary Public Same?

In some states, a Notary Public has to be a lawyer. While in others it may  not require. There are other states, where  Notaries Public are not normally associated with the legal profession in any way. In those states that do not require a Notary to be a licensed attorney, though he needs to play anything and  everything  a lawyer does. However, the  Notary is restricted from giving any advice which could be interpreted as "legal advice".