What is a notary action?
A notary action begins when I enter your information into my notary journal. I record the date, the type of notary, a brief description of the documents, the signers name, address, and id number, as well as the signature of the document signer. After the information is added to my journal, I administer an oath or affirmation, fill out your document, place my stamp (seal) on your document, and sign it. Depending on the nature of the documents, I may ask signers to provide a thumb or finger print.
May you notarize a signature without the person being present if another person swears that the person signed the document?
No! Notarizing a person's signature by subscribing witness is allowable in some states, like California, but not in Florida. All signers must be present and have proper identification.
What type of identification will you accept?
A driver’s license or identification card from Florida or another state or territory of the United States or Canada or Mexico; identification issued by any branch of the armed forces of the United States; a passport issued by the United States; a passport issued by a foreign government if the document is stamped by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; an identification card issued by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Identification must be current or issued with in the last 5 years.
Inmates at a county jail facility may be exempt from the above identification process.
May you refuse to provide notary services?
Yes. Under certain conditions Florida law actually requires notaries to refuse. For example, “A notary public may not notarize a signature on a document if it appears that the person is mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of the document at the time of notarization.”
FL Stat. § 117.107(5).
Can you act as a witness and notarize the same document?
Yes I can! There are some instances where Florida law supports a notary acting as a witness and a notary of the same document. The language of the document will ultimately dictate whether I am able to act as a witness or not - notary's are forbidden from notarizing their own signature! I find it is best practice to avoid acting as a witness whenever possible but in some instances I will; I can provide witnesses (for a fee) and highly encourage you to find witnesses other than myself.
As a notary, are you able to prepare legal documents for me?
No. I am a notary, not an attorney, so I can not prepare legal documents. I am not able to advise, explain, interpret, or educate you on any documents. I am able to print documents to bring to your signing but I do NOT prepare or provide original documents.
Are you able to notarize documents that have not been prepared by an attorney?
Yes, I am able to notarize all documents, whether prepared by an attorney or not, provided the required conditions for a notarization are met. A jurat or acknowledgement stamp may be needed; I have both and the document signer may request a sample of the stamps in advance.
Are you able to notarize a living will signature if there is no prepared notarial certificate on the document?
Yes. Florida law provides that a competent adult may make a living will directing the providing, withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures in the event such person suffers from a terminal condition. A living will must be signed by the principal in the presence of two (2) subscribing witnesses, one of whom is neither the spouse nor blood relative of the principal. FL Stat. § 765.303 provides a suggested form of a living will. The document requires two (2) witnesses but does not require notarization. However, if you wish a notary seal, I will provide it for you.
Are you able to notarize a signature on a document that has been prepared in, or will be sent to, another state or country?
Yes, but a complete a proper notarial certificate with all of the requirements of the Florida notary law must be present. This may mean that I may have to revise a form, particularly if it was prepared under the laws of another state. Additions or corrections can be made by striking through any incorrect information and adding the correct information before completing the notarization. I initial any corrections that I make and carry stamps that provide the necessary wording for to meet Florida requirements. Proper certificates will be provided and attached as needed.
Anything else I should know before booking an appointment?
Yes. All signers must be willing, alert, and have the ability to communicate else I will not be able to notarize their documents - convenience fee and mileage charge will still be owed even if I am unable to perform my duties.
:: :: :: DISCLAIMER :: :: ::
I am not an attorney licensed in the State of Florida or any other state. I will not and may not give legal advice nor will I accept fees for legal advice.
Still have a question? Don't wait! text me now at: (941) 248-3874
A notary action begins when I enter your information into my notary journal. I record the date, the type of notary, a brief description of the documents, the signers name, address, and id number, as well as the signature of the document signer. After the information is added to my journal, I administer an oath or affirmation, fill out your document, place my stamp (seal) on your document, and sign it. Depending on the nature of the documents, I may ask signers to provide a thumb or finger print.
May you notarize a signature without the person being present if another person swears that the person signed the document?
No! Notarizing a person's signature by subscribing witness is allowable in some states, like California, but not in Florida. All signers must be present and have proper identification.
What type of identification will you accept?
A driver’s license or identification card from Florida or another state or territory of the United States or Canada or Mexico; identification issued by any branch of the armed forces of the United States; a passport issued by the United States; a passport issued by a foreign government if the document is stamped by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; an identification card issued by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Identification must be current or issued with in the last 5 years.
Inmates at a county jail facility may be exempt from the above identification process.
May you refuse to provide notary services?
Yes. Under certain conditions Florida law actually requires notaries to refuse. For example, “A notary public may not notarize a signature on a document if it appears that the person is mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of the document at the time of notarization.”
FL Stat. § 117.107(5).
Can you act as a witness and notarize the same document?
Yes I can! There are some instances where Florida law supports a notary acting as a witness and a notary of the same document. The language of the document will ultimately dictate whether I am able to act as a witness or not - notary's are forbidden from notarizing their own signature! I find it is best practice to avoid acting as a witness whenever possible but in some instances I will; I can provide witnesses (for a fee) and highly encourage you to find witnesses other than myself.
As a notary, are you able to prepare legal documents for me?
No. I am a notary, not an attorney, so I can not prepare legal documents. I am not able to advise, explain, interpret, or educate you on any documents. I am able to print documents to bring to your signing but I do NOT prepare or provide original documents.
Are you able to notarize documents that have not been prepared by an attorney?
Yes, I am able to notarize all documents, whether prepared by an attorney or not, provided the required conditions for a notarization are met. A jurat or acknowledgement stamp may be needed; I have both and the document signer may request a sample of the stamps in advance.
Are you able to notarize a living will signature if there is no prepared notarial certificate on the document?
Yes. Florida law provides that a competent adult may make a living will directing the providing, withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures in the event such person suffers from a terminal condition. A living will must be signed by the principal in the presence of two (2) subscribing witnesses, one of whom is neither the spouse nor blood relative of the principal. FL Stat. § 765.303 provides a suggested form of a living will. The document requires two (2) witnesses but does not require notarization. However, if you wish a notary seal, I will provide it for you.
Are you able to notarize a signature on a document that has been prepared in, or will be sent to, another state or country?
Yes, but a complete a proper notarial certificate with all of the requirements of the Florida notary law must be present. This may mean that I may have to revise a form, particularly if it was prepared under the laws of another state. Additions or corrections can be made by striking through any incorrect information and adding the correct information before completing the notarization. I initial any corrections that I make and carry stamps that provide the necessary wording for to meet Florida requirements. Proper certificates will be provided and attached as needed.
Anything else I should know before booking an appointment?
Yes. All signers must be willing, alert, and have the ability to communicate else I will not be able to notarize their documents - convenience fee and mileage charge will still be owed even if I am unable to perform my duties.
:: :: :: DISCLAIMER :: :: ::
I am not an attorney licensed in the State of Florida or any other state. I will not and may not give legal advice nor will I accept fees for legal advice.
Still have a question? Don't wait! text me now at: (941) 248-3874
