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The Role of a Notary Signing Agent in Real Estate Transactions

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Buying a home? Refinancing? Selling property? 🏡 A notary public , but more specifically, a notary signing agent plays a crucial role in ensuring real estate documents are properly executed and notarized so as to not delay the real estate transaction.   What's the difference between a Mobile Notary and  a Certified Notary Signing Agent? A Mobile Notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to clients to notarize documents, offering convenience for those who can’t visit a notary office. They can notarize a variety of documents, including powers of attorney, affidavits, and estate planning forms. A Certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a specialized notary trained to handle loan and real estate documents . NSAs work with title companies, escrow officers, and lenders to ensure proper execution of mortgage paperwork. They must pass a background check and certification process to work with financial institutions. In short: All NSAs are mobile notaries, but not all mob...

Understanding Notarized Documents: What a Notary Can and Cannot Do

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Ever handed a document to a notary and wondered, “What exactly are they doing?” Notaries play a crucial role in verifying signatures and preventing fraud, but their responsibilities have limits. Let’s break it down!     What a Notary CAN Do: ✔ Verify Identity – Notaries check valid, government-issued IDs to confirm identity. ✔ Witness Signatures – They ensure the signer is present and signing voluntarily. ✔ Administer Oaths & Affirmations – Some documents require a verbal oath before signing. ✔ Certify Copies of Certain Documents – Limited to specific records (but not all). What a Notary CANNOT Do: ❌ Give Legal Advice – Notaries are not attorneys and can’t explain document contents. ❌ Fill Out Forms for You – You must complete your document before meeting the notary. ❌ Notarize Incomplete or Blank Documents – Everything must be properly filled out first. ❌ Verify the Accuracy of a Document – Notaries confirm identities, not the validity of information. Why It Ma...

What is a California Notary Public Oath of Office?

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California Notaries take an oath of office at the commencement of their commission that states that we will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that  we will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California , and that we take this obligation freely, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that we will faithfully discharge the duties of a Notary Public. What does it mean "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic"? The oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic" is a solemn pledge taken by members of the U.S. military, notaries, federal employees, and elected officials. It carries deep legal and moral significance. Here's what it means: "S...

Power of Attorney Documents: What You Need to Know

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Ever wondered what would happen if you needed someone to handle your financial, medical, or legal matters when you couldn’t? That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) comes in. It’s a powerful document that lets you authorize a trusted person—your agent —to act on your behalf in specific situations. But here’s the thing: filling out a POA incorrectly can cause major headaches down the road. That’s why working with a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) can make the process smoother and stress-free. What is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone (the "principal") to appoint another person (the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") to make decisions on their behalf. There are different types of POAs, including: ✔ General POA – Gives broad authority to handle financial and legal matters. ✔ Durable POA – Remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated. ✔ Limited (Special) POA – Grants authority for a specific tas...

What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment in California (So It Goes Smoothly!)

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Getting a document notarized should be quick and painless—as long as you come prepared! Whether you're meeting a mobile notary or heading to an office, here’s what you must bring to avoid delays. ✅ 1. A Valid, Acceptable ID The California notary needs to verify your identity, so bring an official government-issued photo ID , such as: ✔ Driver’s license or state ID ✔ U.S. passport or passport card ✔ Military ID đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Your ID must be current. An expired ID can cause issues! ✅ 2. The Document (Unsigned!) Seems obvious, but double-check that you have the right document with you.   Also, your signature may need to be witnessed by the notary so don’t sign it beforehand to be sure! ✅ 3. Payment for Notary Fees In California, notary fees are regulated by law , with a maximum charge of $15 per notarized signature for acknowledgments and jurats. Additional fees may apply for travel if you're using a mobile notary—these vary and should be confirmed in advance. ...

Credible Witnesses: The Notary’s Backup Plan in California

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In California, proper ID is a must for notarization, but what happens when someone doesn’t have it? Maybe a senior whose driver’s license has expired or someone who misplaced their ID right before a critical signing. That’s where credible witnesses come to the rescue! A credible witness acts as a human "ID card," vouching for the signer’s identity under penalty of perjury. Here’s how it works: You Need One or Two Witnesses If you have one credible witness , they must personally know both the signer and the notary. If you have two credible witnesses , they only need to know the signer personally—not the notary. The Witnesses Provide Valid ID Each witness must present valid, government-issued identification (yes, even they need proper ID!). They Take an Oath The witnesses swear under oath that they personally know the signer and that the signer doesn’t have acceptable ID. They Sign the Notary’s Journal For record-keeping, the witnesses’ information and signatures are recorded...

Got Married and Took Your Spouse's Name? Update your ID!

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This comes up a lot!  Update your ID to your married name!  It's a problem if I can't notarize those loan docs or your living trust because your name on the documents doesn't match your ID. It's a thing!  Take care of it today!