If someone tells you a document “needs to be notarized,” you might wonder what that means and how to get that done. Not to worry, though. Finding a Notary Public is much easier than you think. There are options for meeting in person or doing it online, as well as various reliable methods to get in touch with a certified professional to help you notarize documents safely and accurately.
Start with Your State’s Notary Directory
Each State keeps a record of people who are commissioned Notaries. Public records are a great place to begin your search. For instance, people who live in Florida can use the Florida Department of State’s Notary Search to find active notaries and to validate their credentials.
State directories help you find licensed Notaries. This will make sure your documents are legally recognized.
For a better experience, or if you need assistance with various kinds of verification, you could connect with a Notary Public Service. Because some Notary Public Services also offer fingerprinting services, along with identification and background checks for employment or licensing, you could conveniently manage all your document verification in one spot.
Everyday Places That Offer Notary Services
Usually, you really don’t need to search for a notary for long. Many community businesses and area have certified notaries. Even if they don’t promote it, they often have it.
Here are a few of the more usual community spots to try.
- Banks and Credit Unions: Most of these have notaries, and they’re often at no cost to their clients.
- Law Offices: Lawyers regularly work with notaries for client paperwork and legal documents.
- Real Estate and Title Companies: Notaries need to be on staff since property transfers and contracts require notarization.
- Libraries and Clerk’s Offices: Local libraries and city offices providing notary services is pretty common and low cost.
- Mailing and Shipping Stores: Certified notaries can be found at many UPS or FedEx stores for walk-in appointments.
Considering a Mobile Notary
If you are short on time or can’t make it somewhere, mobile notary services come to you. These notaries assist with legal document signing in people’s homes, offices, or even hospitals.
Mobile notaries are great for real estate closings, medical authorizations, or for elderly people. Many mobile notaries also take fingerprints for background check documents and other official documents like employment ones.
The small travel fee is usually worth the ease they provide, especially with time-sensitive documents.
Using Online Notary Services
Remote online notarization (RON) lets you complete your document notarization from anywhere in the world using a secure video connection. Your identity is verified electronically, you sign digitally, and the notary applies a legal digital seal.
Florida was one of the first states to accept online notarization and made the process simple and legal. Notarize.com, OnlineNotary.us, and eNotaryOnCall are some of the trusted sites that will help you notarize your important documents in no time.
When you are sending in documents that include sensitive information of ID and employment verification, data safety and convenience are of utmost importance. Online notarization offers both. Before you start the process, make sure the institution you are sending documents to accepts e-notarization.
What to Check Before Choosing a Notary
Before you decide on a notary, make sure you check their credentials and what type of notary service(s) they offer.
- Active Commission: Make sure they are commissioned and recognized by the state.
- Service Type: Some notaries only do acknowledgments and jurats and some will help with document certifications too.
- Fees: Most notary fees are state regulated, mobile notaries will only charge a small travel fee.
- Accepted ID: You will need a government issued photo ID to notarize documents.
- Other Services: If you need notarization on documents to accompany fingerprints or background checks, ask the notary or office if they have that outlined in their service.
If you do not want to handle things by yourself, Notary Public Service will help you with verification, documentation, and connect you with the right type of notary for your needs.
Why It’s Important to Work with a Qualified Notary
A competent notary helps curb fraud and ensures that documents are signed and executed properly. They authenticate your legal identity, ensure you are signing the documents of your own free will and ensure the documents are not illegible.
The most time consuming documents are the ones checked by a disqualified or inactive notary. Working with notary professionals gives you peace of mind. This is especially true for those professionals providing a full suite of services like fingerprinting and background checks.
Final Thoughts
It has never been easier to find a Notary Public. You can access your state’s official notary directory, visit a local business that has notary services or complete the process online in a few minutes.
If you prefer a professional to complete all the steps, you can contact a dependable Notary Public Service. Trusted providers can also help with identification requirements like fingerprinting and background checks, giving you an all-inclusive, compliant, and streamlined process.
