WHAT IS NOTARIZATION ?
Notarization is the official process by which a notary public witnesses the signing of important documents to verify their authenticity and ensure they are executed willingly and knowingly by the parties involved. The notary public acts as an impartial witness, confirming the identity of the signers and that they understand the contents of the document and are signing it voluntarily.
Verification of Identity
The notary confirms the identities of the signers through government-issued identification, ensuring that the individuals are who they claim to be.
Witnessing the Signing
The notary witnesses the actual signing of the document, ensuring that it is done in their presence and that the signers are not under duress or coercion.
Acknowledgment or Oath
Depending on the document, the notary may ask the signer to acknowledge that they are signing the document voluntarily or administer an oath affirming the truthfulness of the statements within the document.
Notary Seal and Signature
The notary affixes their official seal or stamp, along with their signature, to the document, completing the notarization. This seal signifies that the document has been properly notarized and is considered legally binding.
Notarization helps prevent fraud and ensures that documents like contracts, deeds, affidavits, and powers of attorney are legally valid and enforceable.