If you’ve ever had to sign any legal or real estate documents that needed to be notarized, you might have wondered what the purpose of the notary was and why it was so important for them to be there at the signing of the document. This article will discuss the purpose and importance of a notary, so you can have a greater appreciation for their services.
- A public official: The first thing you should know about a notary is that they’re more than a regular worker stepping in to make sure you sign your documents correctly. They are appointed and certified by the state government to serve as public officials.
- Ensure you understand your document: A notarized signature is typically required for important documents, including real estate closing documents, prenuptial agreements, marital licenses, and other legal documents. These can be lengthy documents with important details to consider. The notary can help ensure you understand the documents and all that you are signing for and agreeing to before finalizing the document.
- Fraud prevention: The reason why notary services often require government-issued ID is to validate your identity and confirm that you are the person who is supposed to be signing the document. This way, they can successfully deter any fraudulent signatures and activity.
- Not a witness: There are some times when a legal document will require the presence of a witness in addition to the notarized signature. While the notary is there to validate your identity and authenticate the signature, they cannot count as your witness for the signature. You will have to bring your own witness with legal ID.
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