Notary What Is and How Notary Public Center Can Help You

What Is a Notary Public?

A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to serve as an impartial witness during the signing of important documents. The notary’s role is to prevent fraud, verify identities, and ensure that everyone signing a document is doing so willingly and knowingly.

Each U.S. state has its own rules and licensing requirements for notaries, but in general, notaries are recognized and respected as official officers of the state, with the power to notarize a wide range of legal documents.

What Does a Notary Do?

The main responsibilities of a notary public include:

• Verifying the identity of all signers using valid government-issued ID.

• Ensuring the signers understand the contents of the document.

• Confirming that the signing is voluntary, without coercion or intimidation.

• Witnessing the signature in real time.

• Completing and affixing the notary certificate (with stamp/seal).

Notaries also keep a record of each notarization in a journal (depending on state laws), and in many cases, they may be called upon to testify in court if a document’s validity is ever challenged.

What Types of Documents Need Notarization?

A wide variety of documents may require notarization. At Notary Public Center, we handle documents including but not limited to:

Legal and Financial Documents

• Power of Attorney (POA)

• Wills and Trusts (state-specific)

• Divorce and custody agreements

• Loan documents

Real Estate Documents

• Mortgage paperwork

• Deeds

• Lease agreements

• Escrow forms

Business Documents

• Articles of Incorporation

• Operating Agreements

• Contracts

• Corporate resolutions

Travel and Immigration

• Parental consent letters for minor travel

• Immigration affidavits

• USCIS forms (in applicable cases)

International Use

• Documents requiring apostille

• Certifications for use abroad

We provide both in-person and remote online notarization (RON) services in eligible states.

Who Authorizes a Notary?

In the United States, notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State (or an equivalent government office) in each state. To become a notary, individuals must:

• Meet age and residency requirements

• Complete a state-approved notary education course (in some states)

• Pass a background check

• Purchase a notary bond and official supplies

• Take an oath of office

At Notary Public Center, we are Florida state-commissioned, trained, and insured — ensuring you receive service that’s not only professional but also legally compliant.

Notary vs Witness – What’s the Difference?

A witness is someone who observes a document being signed but has no legal authority to verify identities or certify the document. A notary public, on the other hand:

• Is an official of the state

• Verifies identity

• Prevents fraud

• Keeps a legal record

• Applies an official seal

• Is required for many legal documents

While some documents simply need witnesses, others legally require notarization, and using a notary ensures stronger legal protection.

Why Is Notarization Important?

Notarization serves several vital purposes:

• Prevents fraud by confirming the identity of signers

• Provides legal validity and credibility to documents

• Ensures the document is signed voluntarily and knowingly

• Reduces the chance that a document will be challenged in court

• Adds an extra layer of protection for all parties involved

Whether you’re signing a power of attorney, a real estate contract, or an international document, notarization provides peace of mind and legal assurance.

How Notary Public Center Can Help You

At Notary Public Center, we understand how confusing and time-sensitive legal paperwork can be. That’s why we offer a full range of notary services, tailored to meet your specific needs.

Why Choose Us?

• Licensed and Insured Notaries

• In-person and remote notarization (in applicable states)

• Multilingual support

• Secure, confidential, and legally compliant

• Expertise in apostilles, immigration, and international documents

• Fast, professional, and client-focused service

We don’t just stamp your documents — we walk you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

How to Notarize a Document with Notary Public Center

Here’s how simple it is to notarize your documents with us:

Step 1: Contact Us

Reach out via phone, email, or online form. Let us know what type of document you need notarized.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Have the document ready and don’t sign it yet — the notary must witness the signature.

Step 3: Verify Identity

Bring valid, unexpired government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.).

Step 4: Sign in Presence of Notary

We’ll confirm your identity and make sure you understand the document. Then you’ll sign in front of us.

Step 5: Receive the Notarized Document

We’ll apply the seal and hand (or send) you your completed, notarized document.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Notary

Many people make simple mistakes that can delay the notarization process or cause their documents to be rejected. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Signing the document beforehand

Always wait to sign in front of the notary.

2. Using an expired ID

Make sure your identification is current and valid.

3. Bringing incomplete documents

Ensure all pages are ready and attached.

4. Not knowing what type of notarization is needed

Some documents require acknowledgments, others require jurats. We help clarify this.

5. Forgetting witnesses (when required)

Some notarizations require additional witnesses.

Do You Need an Apostille with Your Notarized Document?

If your notarized document is going to be used in another country, you may also need an apostille — a certificate that verifies the notary’s authority for international use.

At Notary Public Center, we specialize in apostille services as well. We help you determine if your destination country requires one, and we can handle the entire process for you.

Real-Life Scenarios We Handle

• Immigration paperwork requiring notarized affidavits

• Remote employees needing notarized tax forms

• Parents traveling with children abroad needing consent letters

• Businesses submitting international contracts

• Retirees moving abroad and needing background checks notarized and apostilled

Our team handles these situations with care and attention to detail.

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