Notarizing Documents — What Does That Mean?
Public notaries are most well-known for the service they provide of notarizing documents. What does it mean to have something notarized, though? Essentially, notarization is necessary for preventing fraud in important documents. By having a notary public witness the signature of critical documentation, they’re ensuring three crucial facts:
- First, the documents being signed are authentic.
- Second, the person signing the documents is who they say they are.
- Third, the person signing the documents understands what they’re signing and is capable of deciding to do so.
By having a document notarized, you’re also officially claiming that all the facts and information in the document are accurate to the best of your knowledge.
What Documents Need to Be Notarized?
Documents that need to be notarized can be personal, related to the provincial or federal government, or even related to international matters. Some typical documentation you would need to get notarized include affidavits, power of attorney, and criminal record checks. However, not all documents that require a witness to be signed can be notarized by public notaries. In some cases, you will need a lawyer to witness your signature.
How to Get Your Documents Notarized
The first step you’ll need to take is to book an appointment with a public notary, letting them know what you need notarized. At that point, they should be able to inform you if they’re able to perform that service for you or if you’ll need a lawyer instead. Before your appointment, you can fill out all the required information in the documents, but remember not to sign anything until you meet with the public notary. You must sign the documents in front of the public notary for the documents to be notarized.
The Steps to Notarization
Once you make an appointment with a notary public, the following steps will be taken to notarize your document:
- You will verify your identity by providing the notary public with a valid form of photo identification and another form containing your signature.
- The notary public will ensure you understand what you are signing and that you are signing the document willingly.
- You will sign the document with the notary public as your witness.
- The notary public will place their seal on the document, officially notarizing it.
Contact Juris Notary When You Need Something Notarized
At Juris Notary, we provide honest and careful public notary services of all kinds, including notarizing documents. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today.