Throughout your adult life, you’ll come across forms that need to be looked over by a notary public. Fortunately, getting contracts notarized is a simple process that only takes a few minutes to complete.
If you’re wondering, is there a mobile notary near me that can streamline your student loan or small business loan signing, then you’ll be happy to know mobile notaries exist in most areas.
When a notary stamps a document, they’re also affirming that the person signing the document is who they say they are. These notarization professionals verify your identity and witness your signature on a legal document. Then, they’ll stamp the document as proof that everything within it is factual.
But why is it so important to get documents notarized? And more importantly, what documents need to be notarized?
What Documents Need to Be Notarized?
All the documents that require a notary stamp are legally binding. A few of these documents that necessitate notary intervention include, but are not limited to, business documents, sales documents, and financial and medical forms, among others. Here are some of the most common legal documents you’ll need to seek notarization for.
Contracts
Contracts are a part of everyday life when you’re in business, and most of these contracts will require a notary public’s stamp of approval to be deemed official. In addition, if you plan to purchase a home, take out a loan, or are starting a new job, you might be required to have your contract notarized.
Affidavits
An affidavit is a sworn legal statement that can be used as evidence if you have to go through legal proceedings. In many cases, you’ll need to have an affidavit notarized to hold legal significance.
Power of Attorney
If you plan to be unable to make your own medical or financial decisions, you might want to sign your power of attorney over to a trusted friend or relative. For example, if you’re nearing the end of your life or are going into a risky surgery, a power of attorney could give you peace of mind. However, do note that a power of attorney document will need to be notarized to take effect.
Parental Consent Forms
There are a few parental consent forms that you’ll need to get notarized before they have the full force of the law behind them. For example, a parental travel consent form, which will allow a minor to travel without a parent present, needs to be notarized. In addition, if a child is applying for a passport, you’ll need to get the necessary forms notarized first.
Medical Authorization for a Minor
Another parental form that requires notarization is a medical consent form for a minor. Like a power of attorney, this form allows the parent to allocate another person the legal ability to find and provide medical care for their child in the parent’s absence.
Deeds
Quitclaim deeds and Deeds of Trust both need to be notarized to be deemed official. If you attempt to sell or buy a home without a notarized deed, you could run into legal issues down the road if you go to sell again.
Certified Copies or Duplicates
Sometimes, you’ll need certified copies or duplicates of official forms you had notarized previously. For example, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage license to change your name. Or, if you lost the title to your property, you’ll need a notarized application if you want to get a duplicate.
Unclaimed Property Form
Unclaimed property is any property that its owner has abandoned. It could be land, a safe deposit box, or a vehicle, among many other things. If you’d like to lay a claim to the property, you’ll need a notarized unclaimed property form to get the ball rolling.
Bill of Sale
When you transfer ownership of your property to another person, you’ll need a bill of sale. A bill of sale is commonly used for large purchases, such as a car or a home. For the bill of sale to be valid, you’ll need it notarized.
Living Trust
A living trust allows you to place property or funds for a person aside with a designated trustee until a predetermined time, such as a birthday or life event. A trust fund is a typical example of a living trust. For the trust to be binding and to avoid hassles in the future, a notary will need to sign the trust.
Temporary Guardianship Agreement
If you’ll need to place your child in someone else’s care, you’ll need a temporary guardianship agreement. This document will need to be notarized. In addition, you should also acquire and notarize any other necessary forms, such as a Medical Authorization for a Minor.
FAQ
Notarizing might seem a bit confusing, especially if it’s not something you’ve had to do before. So, here’s a bit more information about the notarization process.
Are notarized documents legally binding?
On its own, a notarized document isn’t legally binding. However, the fact that a notary has confirmed the identities of anyone who signed the document will give that document more weight if you need to go to court.
What defines a legal document?
A legal document is any type of document that can affect the legal rights of the people signing it. For example, a power of attorney turns a person’s medical and financial decisions over to a third party.
Does a will need to be notarized?
Each state has its relevant laws regarding notarized wills. However, allocating your assets will be a much smoother process for your loved ones with a notarized will.
Is notarization required by law?
In most cases and in most states, notarization is required by law for specific documents.
Mortgages, affidavits, and other real estate documents will only be legally binding once they’ve been notarized.
Notarizing documents is an essential step in preventing fraud and ensuring you don’t run into any legal issues in the future. This notarization process is especially imperative when the documents apply to your or another person’s medical care or welfare.
Be sure to check your state’s regulations for which documents need a notary stamp and take the steps required to get each document handled correctly.
