Understanding Notarized Documents: What a Notary Can and Cannot Do

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 Matters

Notaries provide impartial verification of the signer's identity, but they don’t make legal determinations. If you need guidance on what a document means, consult an attorney or legal document assistant.

Pro Tip: Bring your document unsigned and with proper ID to avoid delays!

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