What do I need to have with me?
- Yourself, in person and whoever else will be signing the document, also in person.
- 1 or 2 current forms of ID (i.e. Driver’s License or Passport) that have a picture of you
- If you do not have an ID, you will need two people present who will swear to your identity and will have their form of ID recorded by the notary.
- A witness, preferably not related to you. They must not have any benefit or involvement in the transaction.
- The document, if you have not requested me to print it for you (at no cost).
What does a Notary Public do?
A notary is appointed by the Secretary of State to serve as an impartial witness, meaning that a notary is not allowed to benefit in any way by notarizing your document. They are also appointed to deter fraud by checking your form of ID to ensure you are who you say you are and they do their best to determine that you are signing of your own free will.
What can a Florida Notary Public NOT notarize?
- A document that is incomplete or blank.
- A document that has been signed but the person who signed is not there (does not apply to those given Power of Attorney for that signee).
- Any Certified Copies of documents involving the newly born, newly dead, or newly married (birth, death, or marriage certificates). Copies of those must be obtained from the state.
- An acknowledgment of anyone who is not able to communicate in the same language as the notary.
- Any document where the notary feels that the person signing is mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of the document at the time of the notarization.
- A photograph (in the state of Florida); but a sworn statement about the contents of the photograph can be notarized, not just the photo itself.
- Any signatures for immediate family, unless for a marriage certificate.
- Anything the notary might have a financial interest in.
- A Notary’s own signature.
Who can be a witness?
- A legal adult (over the age of 18).
- A neutral 3rd party (someone not involved in the document/transaction).
- Can confirm the identity of the signer.
- Has the mental capacity to make decisions without assistance.
Can a notary refuse to certify a document for you?
The only reason a notary can refuse to sign or notarize a document is if they are uncertain of a signer’s identity, willingness/competence, or the notary is not able to communicate in the language of the signer.
What areas do you serve?
I live in Charlotte County, so I serve all surrounding towns, cities, and counties. Those include all towns/cities in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and De Soto counties. If you need me outside of those counties, I’m usually willing to make the longer drive.