Getting documents notarized should be simple, but outdated information creates unnecessary confusion. With over 4.4 million notaries across the United States and the mobile notary market expected to hit $2.6 billion by 2035, it’s worth knowing what notaries actually do.
Here are the biggest misconceptions people have.
Notaries Give Legal Advice
This trips up more people than anything else. Notaries aren’t lawyers and can’t tell you which documents to use or explain legal terms. Their job is witnessing signatures and checking IDs. That’s it.
Think of notaries as referees confirming everyone showed up and signed willingly. They don’t coach you on the rules. Need help understanding your paperwork? Talk to an attorney. Why notaries exist is about preventing fraud, not providing counsel.
The Notary Stamp Makes Everything Legal
People treat the notary seal like some magic stamp that makes documents bulletproof. It doesn’t work that way.
The seal confirms proper procedures happened during signing. Someone checked your ID, watched you sign and made sure nobody pressured you. But if your document has illegal terms or wasn’t drafted correctly, that stamp won’t save it. The notary authenticated the signing process, not the document’s legality.
All Notaries Charge the Same
State law typically caps notarization at $10 per signature. But mobile notary services add travel fees that aren’t regulated. Distance, timing and urgency all affect the final cost. Witnesses run about $25 each.
Always ask for the full price upfront. Good notaries tell you exactly what you’ll pay with zero surprises.
Virtual Notarization Isn’t Real
Plenty of folks still doubt whether notarization over Zoom actually counts. It does.
Remote online notarization has the same legal standing as in-person signings when done right. The technology adds security through identity verification and audit trails. Courts, banks and government offices accept these documents without hesitation. Just make sure you’re working with properly registered notaries using compliant platforms.
Notaries Can Stamp Anything
Not every piece of paper can get notarized. Here’s what doesn’t qualify:
Can’t Be Notarized:
- Birth certificates or vital records
- Photos or collectibles
- Immigration paperwork (unless the notary has special licensing)
- Incomplete documents with blanks
- Anything where the signer isn’t present
Commonly Notarized:
- Real estate deeds and mortgages
- Power of attorney forms
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Business contracts
- Healthcare directives
State law sets these limits to prevent fraud. Check whether your document qualifies before booking an appointment.
Notaries Have to Notarize Everything
Notaries can absolutely say no. They should refuse when they can’t verify someone’s identity, suspect fraud or pressure, see obvious confusion about the document or notice incomplete paperwork. Notarizing for family members or situations involving financial conflicts also require refusal.
These protections keep everyone safe. A sketchy notarization causes legal problems down the road. When a notary declines, there’s usually a solid reason. They just can’t discriminate based on race, religion or nationality.
Mobile Notaries Aren’t as Qualified
Some people think mobile notaries cut corners. Actually, they hold identical state licensing and training as office-based notaries. The only difference is they come to you.
Finding a notary who travels makes sense for hospital visits, after-hours closings or anyone with mobility issues. They bring everything needed and often handle trickier situations than notaries who sit in one location all day.
Every Notarization Needs Witnesses
This confuses people because requirements vary by document type. Real estate deals often need two witnesses plus the notary. Wills require witnesses. Healthcare directives benefit from them.
But regular acknowledgments? Usually just the notary. Most affidavits? Same thing. Business contracts typically don’t need witnesses unless the agreement says otherwise. For real estate notarization, it depends on the specific paperwork.
Ask beforehand if you need to bring witnesses. Showing up unprepared wastes everyone’s time.
What You Need to Know
Getting something notarized is pretty straightforward once you know the basics. Understanding what notaries can and can’t do saves everyone time and headaches.
The essentials? Bring a valid government-issued ID, make sure your documents are filled out and ask about pricing upfront, no one likes surprise fees.
A good notary will walk you through exactly what’s needed for your specific documents. And these days, you’ve got choices: go traditional with an in-person visit, or handle everything remotely from wherever you are.
Notary Plus More offers licensed mobile, online and onsite notarization services with straightforward pricing and scheduling that works around your life.
