Notarised documents are a great way to prove you were at the same place and time as your notary public. They’re also instrumental in verifying that your documents are genuine and haven’t been altered. In this article, we will explore more about notarised documents.
Notarised documents: How do they work?
Many people choose to get a notarised document because of its importance. An authentic signature is proof of the facts in the document, and notarised documents provide that same level of security—but don’t expect more.
A notary is a public official who administers certain legal guarantees and binds documents with the state. A notary’s job is to witness signatures, authenticate original documents, and certify the identity of signatories. Notaries also serve as government officials and recorders of deeds and official acts. A notary must review each document before they stamp it.
Notarised documents may or may not become official immediately. If an agreement can be executed with just a legitimate signature, a properly completed, notarised paper might be sufficient until something goes wrong with it later. Commonly, for example, when a document is lost or stolen or forgotten about in error and then reissued by mistake by someone other than the person who originally signed it (also known as an “Imperfect Signature”.
See also: Notarised sale deed can’t be used to claim immovable property: NCLAT Delhi
Job of a notary
A notary’s responsibility is to confirm the validity of each signature on a document. The document must meet certain legal requirements concerning who can sign and what they are signing. Signatures on documents can be recorded in several ways, including stamping the document or placing an embossed seal impression on it.
Identity verification is verifying an individual’s identity by using any combination of identification documents. Authorisation to sign legal documents may be granted only if each signature on the document has been verified, and in the case that it is false, a true person possesses the right to sign. That person did not issue an erroneous or fictitious document.
Notarised documents: Requirements
A notary public is a person who’s licensed to perform notarial acts or record and witness signatures. This can be a quick formality, but if you are signing a will, power of attorney, contract, or anything else that needs greater legal weight and protection, you must visit the notary public in person.
Official identification
At the time of signing, your notary public will ask for identification to verify that you are signing. This ensures signatures are consistent and only done by those who are authorised to sign.
Wait to sign
When you visit the notary, let her know you are signing a document in front of her with permission. Please do not bring the document ahead of time and try to have it notarised before you arrive.
Fee payment
If you have documents that need to be notarised, check with your state to see if they charge to notarise in their city. You may think it’s a reasonable price and pay, only to find out later that it was much more than you expected. You can significantly reduce the cost of getting those documents notarised by doing a little bit of research before you sign or even before you apply for that job or licence.
Where to get notarised?
Financial institutions
Finding a notary in your area is accessible through your local bank or credit union. Your local branch can even help you locate a notary open on evenings and weekends. You’ll save money using Local Notaries over bigger corporations, who often charge a higher rate.
Other businesses
You can get notary services quickly and easily at local businesses. Your local bank might make this available, or you can search on Yelp to find a phone number or website that offers this service. Some prominent companies may also provide their notary services; check ahead of time.
Individual sources
The government does not encourage its citizens to become notaries public in any way, shape, or form. However, this might serve as a good option for individuals because it allows them to work from home or some other location that suits them.
Online notary
Online notarisation involves someone taking your documents, scanning them, and emailing them to you. The person doing the notarising then reviews the document before it has been sent. This is a great way to save time and money, but you must verify that this practice is acceptable to the entity that needs the documents.
In some states, online notaries may be required to study, attend training sessions, and pass exams in the same fashion as in-person notaries. In other states, online notarisations are accepted. When you’re thinking about starting an online notary business, make sure you understand what requirements your state may have before you set up shop.
Before you can become an online notary, you must go through specific training and testing. Online notaries may be required to study, attend training sessions, and pass exams in the same way that in-person notaries are. Find out more about the requirements for becoming a notary online
Process of signing the notary documents online signing
documents online may be simple if you are notarising a document from your home or office. If you sign on the Internet through a service like We Sign It or DocuSign, you do not need to travel to a notary’s office, and there is no need for a witness. You scan, upload, or fax your form of identity and password and submit it to the service. An immediate email confirmation will show that everything has been received correctly.
If you are signing a document with two or more parties, and there’s some concern that you might not remember all of their names down the road (this is signed on the same date), you can call your bank and ask them to send a text to your phone with your signature electronically approved by an official signature stamp (also known as an e-signature). Some banks will also let you attach a scan of the signed document, so you can check that your electronic signature looks fine.
FAQs
What does it mean for a paper to be notarised?
The signature on your letter or legal document must be authenticated by a notary public's signature and seal.
How do I notarise a word document?
A notary public must witness a person signing a document and verify their identity to notarise a document.
What do you mean by notary?
A notary, often known as a notary public, is someone qualified to witness the execution of legal papers, most frequently trusts, powers of attorney, affidavits, deeds, and licences.
Can notarised letters be handwritten?
Yes, a notarised signature on a document with handwritten paragraphs is acceptable.
