When Do You Need a Notary?


Are you wondering if you need a notary for your document? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about when you might need to pay for this notary service

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How it Works

So how does it work? The basic idea is that some documents are so important that your identity needs to be verified before you can sign them. Most often, this includes paperwork that is legally binding. A notary’s main job is to prevent fraud by making sure you’re the person you claim to be. This means that you’ll need to prove your identity with a driver’s license or other government-issued identification. 

Without a valid form of ID, a notary won’t be able to sign off on your documents. This is also why forms need to be signed in their presence, rather than in advance. Not following these important steps would be an ethical breach.

It’s also important to note that notaries aren’t qualified to offer legal advice. Their role is different from a legal secretary and they don’t have experience in law. Instead, they act as an impartial witness when legally-binding paperwork needs to be signed. Once everything has been verified, a notary public stamps the forms to authenticate them. In most cases, this process doesn’t take very long if you have the right proof of identity. 

When Do You Need Notary Services?

Here is a brief list of documents that often require the presence of a notary before they can be signed: 

  • Contracts
  • Deeds
  • Real estate planning documents
  • Loan paperwork
  • Commercial leases
  • Sworn statements
  • Name affidavit
  • Student enrollment verification
  • Unclaimed property form
  • Bill of sale
  • Release and waiver
  • Parental consent to travel

Mobile Notary Services

For added convenience, some people opt to hire a mobile notary and just pay a little more in travel costs. This is an ideal solution for anyone who is especially busy or no longer able to drive. A mobile notary will travel to your location or an agreeable meeting place, so business owners often take advantage of mobile services. Additionally, mobile notaries are often called to hospitals to finalize important documents that deal with estate planning or healthcare directives. 

This is a great way to save time if you’re a busy professional. Why fight traffic when you can spend a little extra for convenience? Speaking of traffic, hiring someone to come to your specified location is also sure to cut down on your stress level. After all, it’s one less thing to worry about on your to-do list. 

Even though it will cost you a little more, it might actually end up saving you money in the long run. If you’re a business owner, you won’t need to close up shop. But even if you don’t run your own company, it pays to consider how much your time is worth. 

Licensed Notary

At Mail Boxes Times, we provide notary services during regular business hours. No appointment is necessary. Our notaries are fully licensed and insured. Notarization of your documents requires a valid form of identification (US driver’s license or passport), and the fee is $15.00 per signature. Please feel free to call us at (310) 276–5076 if you have any further questions.