What types of documents can a notary public notarize?
A notary public is a public official authorized by the state government to witness the signing of legal documents, administer oaths, and certify the authenticity of signatures. While notaries perform a vital role in the legal system, there are limitations on the types of documents they can notarize.
The following is a list of the most common types of documents that a notary public can notarize:
Acknowledgments: This type of document is used to verify that a person signing a legal document is doing so voluntarily and with a clear understanding of the document's contents. An acknowledgment can be used for a variety of legal documents, including deeds, mortgages, and powers of attorney.
Jurats: A jurat is a type of notarized document that requires the signer to swear an oath or affirm the truthfulness of the statements in the document. Jurats are commonly used for affidavits, deposition transcripts, and other legal documents.
Affidavits: An affidavit is a written statement made under oath that is used as evidence in court. Notaries can notarize affidavits to certify that the person signing the document has sworn to the truth of the statement.
Powers of Attorney: A power of attorney is a legal document that grants one person the authority to act on behalf of another person in legal or financial matters. Notaries can notarize powers of attorney to certify that the person signing the document understands the powers they are granting and is signing the document voluntarily.
Wills: While notaries can notarize a will, it's important to note that the notarization does not make the will legally binding. Wills must be submitted to probate court to be validated.
Deeds: Notaries can notarize real estate deeds, which are legal documents that transfer ownership of property from one party to another. Deeds must be signed and notarized to be legally valid.
It's important to note that notaries cannot notarize certain types of documents, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. These documents are typically certified by the issuing agency, and notaries cannot legally provide this type of certification.
In addition, notaries cannot notarize documents that contain blank spaces or incomplete information. The document must be fully completed before a notary can notarize it.
In conclusion, notaries play an important role in verifying the authenticity of legal documents. They can notarize a variety of legal documents, including acknowledgments, jurats, affidavits, powers of attorney, and deeds. However, it's important to be aware of the types of documents that notaries cannot notarize, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. If you're unsure whether a document can be notarized, consult with a licensed notary public in your state.
