Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a state public officer appointed and commissioned by the Governor whose function is to: administer oaths, take acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments, attest to or certify photocopies of certain documents, and perform other duties specified by law. Notaries are authorized by law to perform six basic duties:
- Administer oaths or affirmations
- Take acknowledgements
- Attest to photocopies of certain documents
- Solemnize marriages
- Verify vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
- Certify the contents of safe deposit boxes
Can Marriage Certificates, Birth or Death Certificates be notarized?
No. Florida notaries are not authorized to notarize or certify true copies of these documents. Any document you can get from an active government agency cannot be notarized to cannot be certified as a true copy.
What forms of identification are acceptable?
A current state issued Driver's License, Passport, non-driver's license, or military ID are always acceptable. Note: Only U.S. issue identifications are acceptable forms of ID.
Are there documents a notary cannot notarize?
If a document is recorded with a government agecy such as a Secretary of State's Office, a County Clerk or a cout, certified copies should be obtained from that agency. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificate, death certificates, etc. Mobile Notaries cannot notarize these documents.
What payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and debit cards using Square Up. We also accept payment via Paypal and of course we accept cash.
What is a loan signing agent?
A loan signing agent is a public notary who is an expert in loan closing documents. A lender, title company, or escrow service may hire a loan signing agent to handle getting the documents delivered, signed, or processed efficiently and on time.
May a Notary Public give legal advice or draft legal documents?
No. All states prohibit non-attorneys from practicing law. A Notary can be held liable for any damages resulting from an incorrectly chosen certification or notarization.
Does Notarization mean that a document is "True" or "Legal"??
No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of the documents they notarize. Notaries certify the indentity of signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.
What is the purpose of have documents notarized?
The central value of notarization lies in the Notary's impartial screening of a signer for identity, willingness and awareness. This screening detects and deters document fraud, and helps protect the personal rights and property of private citizens from forgers, identity thieves and exploiters of the vulnerable.
