Filling out immigration forms can often result in errors, which can cause delays or rejections by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). According to USCIS, some of the most serious mistakes to avoid when completing the documents are: Missing vital information Regardless of how many forms are submitted, each one must have the applicant’s full name, date of […]
“Can I notarize my paperwork if I have no ID?” In Florida, you can. Occasionally, a notary is asked to notarize the signature of a person who does not have, and cannot obtain, acceptable identification. Florida allows the sworn written statement of two credible witnesses whose identities are proven to the notary and who personally know the signer, to confirm […]
Almost everywhere in the United States, a notary may rely solely on personal knowledge to identify a person appearing for a notarial act. “Personal knowledge” means the notary has reasonable certainty that the person is who he or she/they claim to be, based on the notary’s regular dealings with this person over time. In just a few states, personal knowledge […]
When executing a jurat, many notaries fail to ask signers if they prefer to swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the contents within the documents they are signing. The reason is simple: many notaries are not aware that some signers, who have religious convictions against swearing to G-d, may object to do so and prefer making a promise made […]
Notaries are often asked to “certify a copy” of a birth certificate. This misunderstanding stems from the cruise ship industry, which for years told cruise-goers that a “notarized birth certificate” was acceptable as proof of citizenship. In reality, notaries are not authorized to make certified copies of birth certificates, regardless of where the original birth certificate was issued. First, it […]
Documents require notarization for all kinds of reasons. Some of the paperwork, like affidavits, are part of court procedures, some are part of legally binding contracts in business transactions, and others serve as recording instruments in land record systems. Real estate documents need a notary and are kept in the public record after notarization. Unfortunately, if a recording instrument, like […]
Mobile notary services are critical in helping prevent instances of fraud when important documents need to be signed. They also ensure that every signatory has provided proof of identity, and then they can check the documents to ensure that every party has included the necessary details. Additionally, mobile notaries can also prevent people from signing important documents due to threats […]
Various legal documents need to be notarized to strengthen their legitimacy, hence why it’s crucial to get the help of a notary for securing wills, affidavits, deeds to real estate, trusts, asset transfers, and other important documents. Most documents that require this extra wall of security involve legal and financial matters and include those that are easily fabricated, which is […]
A Power of Attorney, or POA, can be a useful tool that allows you to engage in financial transactions when you can’t be present to sign documents, or someone else to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It’s a good idea to take the time you need to understand your rights and responsibilities specific to both financial and […]
With all the at-home COVID tests being sent out, can Notaries Public watch someone take the test, including verifying the results and then certify the results? No, this is not an authorized duty in Florida. It is possible, however, that the person could take the test, write an affidavit swearing that they passed the COVID test on that date, sign […]
