What Do You Need to Have Something Notarized?
Chances are you'll need to get a document notarized at some point in your life, whether you're selling a car or entering a contract. Notarizing a document prevents against fraud, requiring a third party -- the notary public -- to verify the identity of the person completing the documentation. To get your document notarized with ease, you'll need to do a bit of research and have a few items on hand when you meet with the notary public.
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Notary Public
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To have a document notarized, you have to meet with a notary public authorized in your state. Notaries are often available at local banks or postal and shipping stores. You can find a complete list of notaries in your area using the American Society of Notaries search (see Resources). Some notaries require an appointment, while others are available during business hours. Check with your notary to see when he is available to meet with you.
Photo Identification
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Bring with you at least one form of photo identification, such as your state-issued driver's license or U.S. passport, when getting something notarized. The notary public has to verify your identity to ensure that you are, in fact, who you say you are. She also might need to check your birthdate or home address, depending on the type of document you need notarized. Providing a photo ID makes this process simple for the notary.
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Documents
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Bring with you the documents that require notarization. Read the document carefully before you meet with the notary. Some documents require you to complete them in front of the notary, especially any signature portion of the document. In other documents, you might be able to complete the majority of the document at home and simply leave the signature blank until you meet with the notary.
Payment
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Most notaries charge a small fee for their services, so ask in advance what they charge. If you're using a notary at a bank or postal store, you can likely pay by cash, check or credit card. However, ask beforehand how you can pay so that you aren't caught off guard at your notary meeting.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit signature image by kuhar from Fotolia.com
