The Duties of a Notary

There are many different roles that a notary may play in the legal system, depending on the jurisdiction in which he or she works. In the U.S., for example, a notary can take depositions, issue legal warrants to appear on behalf of individuals, witness third-party absentee ballots, and solemnize civil marriages. The duties of a notary are varied.

In the past, notaries were practitioners trained in the law and the recording of legal documents. Notaries recorded events that needed official authentication, such as a power of attorney. They can also administer oaths, witness statutory declarations, certify copies of documents, and note bills of exchange. 

A notary's authority is derived from the state in which he or she practices. They are appointed by the top official of their state - usually the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, or Treasurer. However, notary laws vary from one state to another. While a notary in one area may have the authority to perform notary duties in another, a notary in another country may not. It is essential to be aware of the notary's authority in the respective country.

Notaries are required by law to comply with certain requirements. For instance, a notary must file an imprint of his official seal with the Secretary of State, which will take effect once the official signatures of applicants have been verified. In addition, a notary must pay a fee to become a notary public. 

A notary is allowed to keep and use seals and journals, but a notary is not required to use any type of stamp or seal.

Those who hold notaries' positions are legally required to follow strict regulations. For example, the federal government does not approve any document that is not legally binding in his or her state. This is illegal and causes confusion for those who need to sign a document. Notaries must follow all of these rules.

When a notary signs a document, the stamp is no longer required. Instead, the notary must affix a notary seal to the document. If the document does not have a notarial stamp, the notary may use a certificate. A notary's seal is the official document's official mark. The seal must include the date and title of the document. It does not matter if it is embossed or not.

Typically, notaries work for themselves as private practitioners. 

Notaries have a very important role in the legal system.

When a client asks for notarization, If there is no certificate wording, we will ask the signer what type of notarization they need because Notaries are not authorized to make this determination. You may describe an acknowledgment, jurat or signature witnessing, but the signer must ultimately choose. 

The requirement for Notaries to complete a certificate for each notarization is virtually universal, but is most important when the document does not contain certificate wording, or if the document does not comply with state requirements.

A document is considered notarized with or without a notarial certificate, but the deciding factor usually depends on the final user of the document, and the type and size of the document(s).

A large factor is cost.  It will normally be less expensive to use a notarial certificate if the number of documents is substantial and the types of documents can be bundled under one notarial certificate. 

Another consideration is whether any particular document has more than one page.  In that case a notarial certificate is usually preferred.

A proper notarial certificate is a written statement, signed and sealed by the notary public, certifying the facts of a notarial act.

The two most common notarial acts a notary will be asked to perform are administering oaths and taking acknowledgments.

It's crucial to notarize important legal documents.

Notarized documents, besides protecting the public and your personal information, help prevent fraud and ensure the authenticity of your transactions. Notarization is an important step in the process of business and is the most widely recognized type of certifying documents. It is a legal requirement for most banking and court documents that they be notary documents. This step ensures that your document is genuine and free from errors. 

Are you looking for a notary in Lake Havasu?

Notaryhavasu.com is a bonded and certified notary in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and the surrounding areas of Mohave county. 

Some wonder if you can use a traditional notary or a digital notary service.

In Arizona, a notary public may perform remote online notarizations during the term of the notary public’s commission if:

1. The notary public has received written authorization from the Secretary of State to perform remote online notarizations under the proper legal Article; and

2. The Secretary of State has not terminated or revoked such
authorization.

A notary public who is authorized to perform remote online notarizations may also perform electronic notarizations.

Notaryhavasu.com does not perform online, or electronic notarizations, but offers mobile on-location and in-person notary signing services.

Notary fees are typically set by Arizona state and individual charges will vary from “no charge” up to $10.00.

When determining notary fees, you and the notary will also need to consider how much time and expense will be needed to travel.

In general, Notary fees are very reasonable for the kind of work being performed. 

For more detailed information on how 

You could also offer your notary services after-hours or on weekends.