Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Public Practice

Q.  Must the person signing the document be in the presence of the notary?

 

To give an oath, the person must sign in the presence of the notary.   For other documents, the person must sign the document or acknowledge their signature in person -- never on the phone.

Q.  Does the document need to be completed before being notarized?

 

Yes.  Never notarize a blank document.

Q.  Does the person signing the document need to show identification?

 

Yes.  Never notarize the signature of someone you don't know without requiring proper identification.

Q.  Does the rubber stamp seal need to be placed on all notarizations?

 

Yes, a notarization without the form is improper.

Q.  Is it enough to just sign my name and put my stamp on a document?

 

No, not unless you are completing an acknowledgement or oath form which is already a part of the form.  A notarization without the form is improper, and it must always include the date of notarization.

Q.  May I notarize documents for family members?

 

If you are a named party to the transaction or may receive direct benefit, such as cash, property or title from the transaction, you have a disqualifying interest and must refrain from notarizing any such documents.

Q.  May an employee notarize documents for an employer?

 

Employees may notarize for an employer, providing the transaction does not stand to benefit them in excess of their normal salary and benefits.

 

YOUR Q?

Send your question to the Notary Public Hotline.  We'll answer directly and post some of the questions and answers here.