What is a Notary Public?

 

The main purpose of a notary public is to verify identity and reduce the probability of fraud. The primary role of a notary public is to serve the public as an impartial witness when important documents are signed. In the United States, a notary public is appointed by a state government. In California’s case this is the Secretary of State. The California Secretary of State, Notary Public & Special Filings Section, is responsible for appointing and commissioning qualified persons as notaries public for four-year terms.  

The Notary Public establishes the signer’s identity and authorization to sign the document by using satisfactory evidence as established by the laws of the State of California. The primary forms utilized to identify signers are driver license, passport, military ID cards, and other forms of photo government ID. Notaries also play the crucial role of administering oaths and affirmations for affidavits.

Careful not to confuse a notary with a lawyer, I do not have legal training, nor can I provide legal advice, legal assistance, document preparation, or any other duty outside of the duties of a notary prescribed by the state laws of California.

 

Simply stated, Notaries verify a signer’s identity, personally witness the execution of a document, and administer oaths. 

 

What is a Mobile Notary Public? How does that work?

 

The only difference in a Mobile Notary Public and a Notary Public is they travel to the location of the signer to provide the notarization service. I have the flexibility to travel to businesses, homes, hospitals, jail, and other locations during and after business hours. 

 

The traditional process of notarizing a signature would require the signer to locate and travel to the office of a Notary Public during their business hours. Mobile notaries revolutionized the process by providing convenience, professionalism, and flexibility to accommodate special requests. 

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