NOTARY SERVICES

Notary services are essential for ensuring the authenticity and legality of various documents. A notary public is an impartial witness authorized by the state to verify the identity of signers, ensure their willingness to sign, and confirm that they are aware of the contents of the document. The primary functions of a notary include witnessing signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, certifying copies of documents, and performing acknowledgments or jurats, which involve confirming the truthfulness of statements made in legal documents. Notarization is often required for important legal documents, including real estate transactions (e.g., deeds and mortgage documents), powers of attorney, wills, affidavits, contracts, and court-related documents. The process of notarization generally involves the notary verifying the signer's identity through valid identification, ensuring that the individual is signing willingly and without coercion, and then witnessing the signing of the document. Afterward, the notary completes the notarial certificate, which includes their signature and seal, officially verifying the document’s authenticity. Notary services are widely available at banks, law offices, or through independent notaries who may operate in person or remotely, depending on the jurisdiction. Some areas also allow for online notarization, where the process is conducted via video conferencing. Fees for notary services are usually set by state laws and can vary based on the type and number of documents being notarized.