Do I Need a Notary for My Document? 7 Situations When You Might
Have you ever been handed a document and wondered, “Do I need to get this notarized?”
You’re not alone. Many people don't realize that certain documents may require notarization—or that having a document notarized can provide an important layer of identity verification and protection against fraud.
As a Tennessee notary, I help individuals, families, businesses, and organizations complete notarizations in person and through Remote Online Notary (RON) services.
Here are seven common situations when you may need a notary.
1. Real Estate Documents
Real estate transactions often involve documents that require notarization. These may include deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, and other transaction-related documents.
If you're buying, selling, refinancing, or transferring property, always check with your title company, lender, or attorney to determine which documents need notarization.
2. Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney allows one person to authorize another person to act on their behalf in certain legal or financial matters.
Because these documents can have significant consequences, proper execution is extremely important. Depending on the document and circumstances, notarization may be required or recommended.
3. Affidavits
An affidavit is a written statement that a person swears or affirms is true.
Affidavits commonly require notarization because the notary verifies the identity of the signer and administers an oath or affirmation when required.
4. Estate and Family Documents
Documents related to estates, trusts, inheritance, guardianship, and other family matters may require notarization.
If you're dealing with an estate after the death of a loved one, it can be especially helpful to determine ahead of time which documents need to be notarized so you don't have unnecessary delays.
5. Business Documents
Businesses frequently need notarized documents.
Examples can include:
Business affidavits
Powers of attorney
Contracts and authorizations
Corporate documents
Certain financial documents
A mobile notary or Remote Online Notary can make the process much more convenient for busy business owners.
6. Documents for Someone Who Can't Easily Travel
Not everyone can simply get in the car and visit a notary.
Seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, hospitalized patients, residents of nursing facilities, and people in other locations may need a more convenient option.
A mobile notary can travel to an agreed-upon location when appropriate.
Remote Online Notarization may also be an option when the document, signer, and circumstances meet applicable requirements.
7. You Need a Convenient Way to Complete a Notarization
Sometimes the biggest reason to use a notary is simply convenience.
With Remote Online Notarization, eligible signers can complete a notarization online without traveling to a traditional notary appointment.
This can be especially helpful for people who are:
Working from home
Traveling
Managing a busy schedule
Located outside their local area
Unable to easily arrange an in-person appointment
What Does a Notary Actually Do?
A notary's job is generally to perform specific notarial acts according to applicable law and procedures.
Depending on the type of notarization, the notary may verify the signer's identity, witness a signature, administer an oath or affirmation, and complete the notarial certificate.
A notary does not decide whether a document is legally appropriate for your situation or provide legal advice.
If you're unsure whether your document needs notarization, contact the person or organization that provided the document, such as your attorney, lender, title company, employer, or government agency.
Need a Notary in Tennessee?
Whether you need a mobile notary or a Remote Online Notary, Notaries by Deb is here to help make the notarization process simple and convenient.
Before your appointment, make sure you have the document that needs to be notarized and a valid form of identification accepted for the notarization.
Have questions about scheduling a notarization?
Contact Notaries by Deb to discuss your notarization needs and schedule an appointment.
Visit: notariesbydeb.com
Disclaimer: Notaries by Deb is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Requirements for notarization vary by document and situation. Always consult the appropriate attorney, title company, lender, government agency, or other qualified professional regarding your specific document.
