Understanding the Different Types of Notarial Acts
When you need a document notarized, it's important to understand the different types of notarial acts that a notary public can perform. Each act serves a specific purpose and is required for different types of documents. Here at What A Concept LLC, I offer the following notarial acts:
Acknowledgments
This is the most common type of notarial act. It's used to verify that a person signing a document is who they claim to be and that they are signing the document freely and willingly. Acknowledgments are often required for documents such as deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, and trusts. During an acknowledgment, I will:
Identify the signer using a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
Confirm that the signer understands the document and is signing it voluntarily.
Witness the signer's signature.
Complete a notarial certificate, which includes my signature and seal, stating that the acknowledgment was performed.
Jurats
A jurat is used when a signer needs to swear or affirm to the truthfulness of a document's contents. This act is commonly used for affidavits, oaths, and other sworn statements. During a jurat, I will:
Identify the signer using a valid form of identification.
Administer an oath or affirmation to the signer, where they swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true.
Witness the signer's signature.
Complete a notarial certificate, including my signature and seal, stating that the jurat was performed.
3. Oaths/Affirmations
Similar to a jurat, an oath or affirmation involves a spoken pledge to tell the truth. This act can be performed independently or as part of a jurat. The signer chooses whether to take an oath (swearing to a supreme being) or an affirmation (a solemn pledge on their personal honor).
4. Certified Copies
A certified copy confirms that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. I can certify copies of various documents, but there are some restrictions on what can be copied, such as vital records (birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc.). During a certified copy, I will:
Compare the copy to the original document to ensure it's a complete and accurate reproduction.
Complete a notarial certificate on the copy, including my signature and seal, stating that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original.
Do you have questions about which notarial act is right for your document?
Please feel free to contact me, and I'll be happy to discuss your specific needs and guide you through the process. I'm committed to providing professional and reliable notary services that ensure your documents are handled with accuracy and care.
