A notary public plays a crucial role in helping to deter fraud and ensuring that essential transactions are conducted smoothly. At Mail Box & Pack, we offer notary public services, but what does that mean, and what do you need to bring when you need a document notarized?
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness while signing important documents. When a document is notarized, it carries an additional layer of authenticity, helping to prevent fraudulent activities and disputes.
First, the notary public confirms the identity of the people signing the document. Then they determine if the parties are signing the document willingly and understand what they are signing. Finally, the notary public records the transaction and places a notarization seal on the document.
What to Bring When You Need a Document Notarized
When you need a document notarized, you’ll need to bring the document, a government-issued photo ID, a witness in some cases, and your payment. The document should be the original, unsigned document that you need notarized. The notary public cannot notarize photocopies or electronic versions of a document.
A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card, is needed to verify your identity. Some documents may require witnesses to be present during the signing. If this is the case, bring the appropriate number of witnesses and ensure they also have valid photo IDs.
Notary public services typically involve a fee, so be prepared to pay for the service in cash or with another accepted payment method.
By understanding a notary public’s responsibilities and coming prepared with the necessary items, you can ensure a smooth and efficient notarization process. We make every effort to have a notary public available during normal business hours, but please call ahead to ensure one will be ready to help you when you arrive.
When you need paperwork notarized, our team can help. Contact us for all your document needs.