Life is full of highs and lows – and it is simply a fact that these experiences often come with a boatload of paperwork. Often times, certain documents will require you to visit a notary public. While notarizations are relatively simple transactions, they carry significant legal weight. Better yet, they are easier to acquire than ever. In your notary search, you may even come across an “online notary”. However, the services of an online notary are not as convenient as they may seem. Read on to find out everything you need to know about proper notarizations.

What is a Notary?

Even if you have utilized the services of a notary, you may be unclear on what their true purpose is. You have likely gone to an office where a stranger watched you sign a piece of paper. Then poof! The notary stamps the document and all the sudden it has more legal clout.

Notaries are actually important soldiers in the fight against fraud. The primary role of a notary is to confirm a signers identity. Verify someone’s identity involves more than just checking a photo i.d. card. In fact, notaries confirm that someone understands what they are signing, and is choosing to do so willingly.

How to Get Something Notarized

Now that we know what a notary is, let’s talk about what happens during a notarization. First of all, a notary will check the signer’s valid photo i.d. to confirm their identity. Secondly, the notary will ask the signer if they understand the contents of the document they are signing in full. It is important to note that it is not the role of the notary to explain the contents to them (more on that later). Once they have confirmed understanding, the notary will make sure the signer is choosing to sign at their own free will.

Then the necessary parties will sign the document. Finally, the notary will sign and stamp a notarial certificate. This piece of paper is the crown jewel of a proper notarization.

What Should I Bring to A Notarization?

In order to efficiently execute a notarization, it is always best to come prepared for the occasion. A few simple steps can help save you valuable time and money in the notary process. First and foremost, you need to bring a few things with you to your appointment.

1. The Document

Have you ever torn your house apart looking for your sunglasses, only to find them sitting atop your head? We have all made silly mistakes like this, we are human after all! That is to say, you would be surprised how often people show up to get something notarized only to realize they left it sitting at home. Be sure to triple check you have the document with you before heading to your appointment.

Bonus time saver! Be sure to fill everything out before hand. For example, basic information like name, address, and contact info. However, save the actual signing for your meeting. Many states require you be in the physical presence of the notary when signing the document. Furthermore, take a few minutes to read over and double check everything is in order in your document. That way, if you have any questions about the contents, you can consult your lawyer before you visit the notary.

Notary vs. Lawyer

Let’s take this opportunity to quickly discuss the difference between a notary public and a lawyer. As previously stated, a notary cannot legally advise upon the contents of a document they are notarizing. Unlike a lawyer, a notary is not trained in the intricacies of the law. Lawyers and attornies undergo years of rigorous education and must pass the state bar exam to practice law. Notaries, on the other hand, will sit through a maximum of six hours worth of training. Furthermore, most states do not even require notaries to take an exam.

Therefore, if the document you need notarized is full of complex legal jargon – be sure to consult your lawyer prior to your appointment.

2. Proper Photo Identification

You have your document and you fully understand everything in it, check! Next, you need to bring along a proper form of current, valid photo identification. Necessary elements of an acceptable i.d. card are:

1. A Recent Photo – Sadly, your birth certificate and grocery store club card do not qualify as acceptable forms of identification. The card should have a clear and accurate photo of you
2. A Brief Physical Description – Bonus points for i.d. cards that include a basic physical description. Hair color, eye color, height, and weight are typical examples.
3. Your Signature – A valid identification card should also include your signature. This adds an extra layer of fraud protection, so the notary can compare your i.d. signature to the document you are signing.
4. Authority of Issue – Such as the state you are registered to drive, or the branch of the military you are serving in.

A valid passport or driver’s license are the most commonly accepted forms of identification. Check with your local notary to confirm acceptable forms of identification in your state.

3. Everyone Who Needs to Sign

Very often, notarizations require the signature of more than one party. If that is true in your case, bringing everyone involved to the same notary appointment can increase efficiency.

However, if that is impossible, you can have a document notarized more than once. In fact, different notaries can even perform the service. This is typically the case when signing parties live in different states. As you may suspect, this drastically increases the amount of time this process takes. Furthermore, it is important to understand that as the document goes through these notarizations, the content must stay the same. Any and all changes or amendment would call for the whole process to start over again. This protects the earlier signers from unknowingly accepting terms they did not originally agree to.

4. Payment for the Notary

The final piece to the notarization prep puzzle is bringing payment for the notary services. Typically, notaries charge on a per-signature basis. Most states mandate a legal maximum that notaries can charge customers. In California, for example, a notary cannot charge more than $10 per signature. We will discuss where to find a notary near you and the ranges in which they may charge, later on in this article.

Online Notary: Too Good to Be True

Hooray! We have now officially detailed what a notary is and what happens during a notarization. Therefore, we can finally talk about the notorious “online notary”. Simply put, websites offering the services of a notary completely online are simply not legal.

As we have laid out in detail, a vital element of a proper notarization is prooving the signer’s identity. While emails and the internet make this possible remotely, it is still not considered a viable notary transaction. Furthermore, most states require that you be in the physical presence of a notary when you sign the actual document. No, Facetime and Skype do not count!

Some states have been working on making remote notarizations legal, but it is still unacceptable in most states in the United States. Therefore, save yourself more hassle and legal drama by visiting a notary public the old fashioned way: in person.

Legal Language Services has a wonderful breakdown of the legal discrepancies of online notarizations. We are happy to report the magical services of mobile notaries not only exist but are completely legal. Read on to find out more about mobile notary services later in this article.

How to Sign Documents Online

To be clear – there are a number of reputable sites and services that allow you to sign documents online. DocuSign and Lumin PDF are two great examples. However, these sites simply offer ease and efficiency when it comes to signing documents. That is to say, signing and sending documents online is totally legal. However, if any of those documents require notarization, you still require the services of an in-person notary.

Many documents do not require notarization, and therefore using these signing services can be a helpful tool. You can save time and paper (yay for eco-friendly options!) by using these services as well.

Types of Notarizations

If you are in need of notarization, it is helpful to know that there are different types. There are three different types of notarizations: acknowledgments, jurats, and certified copies.

1. Notary Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment is the most common type of notarization. The process described above (in-person identification, willingness to sign, signing and stamping) is considered a standard notary acknowledgment. Certain details of that process may vary slightly depending on the state in which the notarization is taking place.

This type of notarization is often applied to documents dealing with ownership such as:

• Property deeds
• Title Transfers
• Powers of Attorney
• Wills and Trusts
• …and more!

The notary will positively identify the signer and their own willingness to sign. The signer will then acknowledge the contents of the document and true and full by signing in front of a notary.

2. Jurat Notarization

A jurat notarization includes the same steps as an acknowledgment, with one notable exception. In a jurat notarization, the signer will also verbally administer an oath or affirmation. This attribute is why a jurat is sometimes referred to as a “verification upon oath or affirmation”.

An oath is a verbal declaration of truth, specifically pledging honesty before God or a higher power. An affirmation, on the other hand, carries the same weight, but with no reference to spiritual power. It is entirely up to the signer whether they wish to acknowledge an oath or an affirmation.

A common oath will state, “Do you solemnly state that the evidence you shall give in this issue shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” The notary will read the aforementioned statement and the signer must respond verbally with “yes” or “I do”. Physical acknowledgments, such as a nod of the head, are not acceptable.

Some notaries may additionally ask the signer to raise there right hand when pledging their oath. While not legally required, this simple action helps emphasize the seriousness of their promise.

Jurat notarizations are commonly used in matters dealing with the court system. Documents such as affidavits and depositions are commonly subject to jurat notarizations.

3. Certified Copies

The notarization of certified copies is the least common of the three types of notarizations. In fact, many states do not accept or allow certified copies. In the states that do allow them, a certified copy will confirm the authenticity of a reproduction of a document. It is imperative that the copy is identical, authentic, and complete. University degrees, passports, and other uniquely vital documents may be subject to a certified copy.

Notary Near Me

As we have clearly established in this article, the use of an online notary is not recommended (or legal in most states). Instead, you need to utilize the services of a notary public in person. You may be asking yourself “where can I find a notary near me?”. Fortunately, there are quite literally millions of certified notaries in America. Therefore, you likely do not have to look too far to find one in your area. Below are a few common places you can find a notary public.

1. The Bank

Considering you can deposit checks and transfer money online and through apps, it may have been a while since you have actually stepped foot inside of a bank. However, if you need a document notarized, it will be worth your while to take a trip to the bank! Most banks have a certified notary public on staff and on site at all times. Better yet, if you are an account holding member of said bank, you may qualify for complimentary notary services.

2. Certain Mail Stores

Certain mail establishments like the UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. will offer notary services to customers for a small fee. You can take care of all of your logistical needs (mailing, packing, etc) and take care of notarizations all in one place.

Moreover, these stores typically do not require appointments for notary services. Better still, these type of stores typically operate during extended business hours. This gives you the gift of time and flexibility in your notarization journey.

3. The Library

This may sound like a novel concept (pun intended), but libraries are a great place to check out more than just books. Treat yourself to the joys and smells of real-life books, and get your document notarized too! Many public libraries offer free or low-cost notary services. You don’t even need a library card to access this service! Although, you should get one – because that is free too. Enjoy your now expanded world of endless books, movies, notary services and more at your local library.

4. Local Government Offices

Whether you live in a small town or a big city, you likely have a government office or two in your midst. Some common examples are Town Hall, City Hall, your county courthouse, or the county clerks office. According to www.thebalanceeveryday.com, the New York City county clerk’s office offers free notary services to the public.

5. Businesses Near You

When beginning your search for a notary, you often have to look no further than your local businesses. Here are a few local places you may find a notary:

• Car dealerships
• Home and/or Auto Insurance Agencies
• Real Estate Offices
• AAA Branches
• Some Police Stations
• Your place of business! (someone in your office is likely a notary, you won’t even have to leave work!)

For many businesses, it is ideal to have a notary on staff for in-office notarizations in a snap. Keep in mind, notaries are servants of the public. Therefore, even if you are not a customer or a client of any of the aforementioned institutions, their notary will still have to help you.

6. Hotels

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, hotels can be a great place to get a document notarized on the go. Many hotels, particularly higher end hotels, offer a notary on site as a convenience to guests. If your hotel does not have this service, no need for dismay. Your hotel’s concierge or front desk attendant can likely point you in the direction of a local notary.

7. Mobile Notary

For the ultimate in ease and efficiency, consider hiring a mobile notary. Especially prevalent in booming metropolitan areas, mobile notaries will come right to your home or office. This service not only saves you time but assures a legal notarization. Remember, most states require notarizations to happen in the physical presence of a notary. Therefore, online notaries should be avoided.

How to Become a Notary

Perhaps at some point in this article, you pondered becoming a notary yourself. With over four million notaries in America, you are in good company. While not a career for most, being a notary is a marketable skill and a great way to make a little extra money. Notary laws and training vary from state to state. Naturally, this means the steps to becoming a notary vary as well. Below will illustrate the steps using Texas and Florida as examples. If you live elsewhere, NationalNotary.org has a great state-specific guide to becoming a notary.

Texas Notary – Steps for Certification

1. Meet State Qualifications – At least 18 years of age, resident of Texas, no criminal record
2. Procure a Surety Bond – This protects the public should you make a notarization error. In Texas, your bond needs to be $10,000
3. Complete the Application – You can even apply online! The application fee is $21 in the state of Texas
4. Take your Notary Oath – Once your application is accepted, you will receive a commission certificate. You will then take that certificate to a certified Texas notary who will administer your oath, as well as notarize your commission
5. Procure Your Notary Supplies – You will need to purchase a notary journal and personalized notary seal (stamp).
6. Purchase Insurance – You may recall notary bonds are mandatory and protect the public. Notary insurance, on the other hand, is optional, but a good idea to protect yourself

You will likely notice that training and testing are not included in the above list. In the state of Texas, training and passing a notary exam are not required. However, it is a good idea to take advantage of state-provided Texas notary training tools.

Notary Public Florida

To illustrate the nuances between state-mandated steps to becoming a notary lets take a look at Florida. The steps are very similar, with one notable exception. A state provided notary training is required in Florida. The course is a quick three hours, and can even be taken online. Before your application will be accepted, you must complete the appropriate training. However, in Florida, you are not required to take and pass an exam testing the information you learned in your training.

Online Notary: In Conclusion

While getting a document notarized is a simple process, it is important to do it correctly. In order to do so, you want to visit an established local notary in person. The cornerstone of a successful notarization is proper identification of the signer. Moreover, this should legally be done in the physical presence of the notary. Therefore, you should avoid using websites boasting with “online notarizations”. If you are in a pinch consider utilizing the services of a mobile notary. They will come directly to you, and therefore meet the standards of a legal notarization.

Sources

https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/what-is-notarization

http://www.notarysuccess.com/notary_acknowledgment.html

https://www.thebalanceeveryday.com/where-to-notarize-affidavit-896914

https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/04/key-differences-acknowledgment-jurat-certificates

https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/05/your-guide-notary-oaths-affirmations

https://www.nationalnotary.org/texas

https://www.superiornotaryservices.com/blog/what-need-document-notarized/

At some point or another in your life, you are going to encounter an affidavit. When that time comes, you are going to have some questions. What is an affidavit? Should I sign one? How do I get an affidavit notarized? Fear not, in this article, we are going to answer all of these questions and more. Buckle up and get ready to learn everything you need to know about the mysteries of the affidavit.

What is an Affidavit?

Affidavits can take many forms. An affidavit is a legal document that includes a written statement in which the signer swears the contents are true. Signing an affidavit is a great responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Lying or knowingly omitting information from an affidavit is perjury.

Think of an affidavit as the written form of an oath. We have all seen an oath taken, either on television or in the real world. In legal TV dramas, you may have seen a witness raise their right hand when they take the stand. They will then agree to a statement along the lines of “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”. This physical and verbal ceremonial dance is intended to heighten the importance of the promise being made.

Finally, an affidavit must be notarized in order to be considered legal and binding. We will discuss notaries and notarization in more depth later in this article.

What is Perjury?

Simply put, perjury is the criminal act of lying under oath. Perjury can be committed both verbally, or in written form. It is important to understand that the scope of perjury spans wider than simply lying or falsifying information. In fact, one can commit perjury by knowingly omitting information from their testimony under oath.

While signing an affidavit does not come with a ceremonial oath promised before a higher power, the gravity of your signature carries the same resonance.

Affidavit Examples

As previously mentioned, an affidavit is not a catch-all document. Affidavits are used for many purposes. Below are just a few of the many types of affidavits utilized today.

Testimonies and Witness Statements

Court testimonies are arguably the most common and well-known use for an affidavit. In this case, an affidavit would contain a thorough witness statement regarding any and all aspects of a court case. These affidavits are evidence in court cases.

Voter Registration

Many government documents are affidavits. Hopefully, you are one of the millions of registered voters in the United States of America. If you are, then you have filled out a voter registration card. Falsifying voter information is perjury. You may not have realized it then, but you were signing an affidavit.

Financial Affidavit

Often times, affidavits are drawn up and notarized regarding financial matters. Within this umbrella, there are a number of examples. A common financial affidavit deals with divorce proceedings.

When a couple files for divorce, each party has to list out all of their assets in order to properly divide the estate. Both parties will sign and notarize these lists, thereby swearing the contents are full and true. This information determines the separation of assets. Additionally, the best balance regarding child and spousal support.

Affidavit of Support

In the land of legal proceedings, immigration is a hot ticket item. Immigration cases involve countless documents. Naturally, an affidavit or two is involved.

Specifically, a document referred to as an affidavit of support. This document confirms that the applicant has the financial means to complete the immigration process. This document must prove their own personal means to cover immigration fees and expenses. Or, appoint another person who has the means and promises to aid the applicant if and when necessary. This relationship is similar to a co-signer on a loan.

Identity Theft

Sadly, identity theft is a common issue. With the ever growing popularity of the internet, there are more ways than ever to have your identity compromised. If you, or someone you know, falls victim to this crime you should immediately alert your credit card companies.

Often times, companies will request that you submit an Identity Theft Affidavit with your report. Simply put, this document officiates your claim under oath.

Affidavit of Heirship

When a person passes away, there are a number of documents and legal snafu’s to deal with. Sometimes, an affidavit of heirship may be utilized to determine a person’s assets and remaining heirs. When a person doesn’t have a will, an affidavit of heirship comes in handy.

Better yet, this type of affidavit, in some cases, can help families avoid the deceased’s estate going through probate. The process of probate is notoriously lengthy and expensive. Therefore, bypassing probate tends to be preferable when possible.

Name Change Affidavit

As the name suggests, this document proves the legal change of a person’s name. This type of affidavit is commonly used when a person gets married or divorced.

Affidavit of Death

Usually, when a person dies, the deceased’s executor will get a death certificate. However, if the executor cannot procure a death certificate, they may draft an affidavit of death instead. This document will legally prove to banks, courts, or business that the person named in the affidavit is deceased.

Elements of an Affidavit

As we now know, an affidavit can deal with a vast number of topics and scenarios. However, affidavits all accomplish the same goal. Affidavits verify the information included is true under penalty of perjury. Read on to find out the five essential elements of an affidavit.

1. Location – Be sure to list the city, state, and country of inception
2. Witness Information – Include the name and basic contact information (phone number and email) of the author of the statement
3. Statement – The statement is the backbone of the affidavit. Remember to include a thorough and honest testimony
4. Statement of Perjury – As discussed at length, an affidavit swears that the information included is complete and true under penalty of perjury. Therefore, there must be a blurb on the document itself stating as such
5. Signature(s) – Finally, in order to be considered legally binding, an affidavit must be signed by the author as well as a notary public (more on that process later)

Affidavit Template

Fortunately, there are countless affidavit templates easily available online. Rocket Lawyer, for example, has an easy-to-use affidavit template.

Typically, you do not require the services of a lawyer to draft an affidavit. However, if the stakes are high, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to at least review your affidavit before filing.

Notarized Affidavit

As previously mentioned, an affidavit must be notarized in order to be considered legally binding. You have more than likely encountered the need to have a document notarized at some point or another.

Notarization is the process where an unbias third party authenticates and witnesses the signing of important documents. The person that orchestrates a notarization is referred to as a notary.

Notary Meaning

Notarization signatures are witnessed by a notary public, or simply “notary”. A notary public is an official representative of the secretary of state. Anyone over the age of 18 with a clean record and a high school diploma can easily become a notary.

Interestingly enough, many states do not require training or testing in order to become a notary. However, most states encourage notaries to complete a basic level of training. Typically, notary classes only last a maximum of six hours.

National Notary provides an amazing online resource to check notary requirements by state.

How to Prepare for a Notarization

Now that we know what a notarization is, let’s discuss what happens during one. As previously stated, a notarization is more than a person watching someone signing a sheet of paper. In fact, a notarization is an essential tool in preventing fraud. So, how can you prepare for a notarization? Read on to find out!

What to Bring to a Notarization

An essential element of being prepared for an appointment is knowing what to bring. Fortunately, notarizations are really simple and only require four things.

1. Proper Identification

As we are now intimately familiar, proper signer identification is a vital element to a successful notarization. In order to complete this essential step, you must bring a proper form of photo identification. The most commonly accepted forms of identification are a valid drivers license or passport.

Some states will also accept military i.d. cards or state-issued identification cards. Check with your local notary about what form of identification is required by your state.

2. The Document

This may seem like a “duh” point – but remember to bring the document you need notarized. Sometimes, it is the simplest steps we tend to forget!

Better yet, save yourself some time and fill out any blank fields (name, address, etc) prior to your appointment. However, resist the urge to sign the document! While not legally required in all states, it is best to physically sign the document in front of the notary. This simple step adds an air of legitimacy to the transaction.

3. All the Signers

The ultimate time saver in notary land is to bring any and all document signers at once. It is entirely common for documents to require the signature of more than one person. If that is the case, having everyone present at once will surely expedite the process.

However, if this is not possible worry not. A document can be notarized more than once, even by different notaries. It is important to note that the contents of the document must stay the same. Should any amendments be made, the notarization process will have to start over. This protects the signers and ensures that the document does not change without their knowledge or approval.

4. Notary Payment

Finally, be prepared to pay your notary for their services. Typically, a notary public will charge on a per-signature basis. Most states legally cap the amount a notary can charge. For example, in the state of California, notaries can charge a maximum of ten dollars per signature.

Pricing of notary services varies by state. Read on to find out where to find a notary and different price points they may offer.

Where to Find a Notary Public

Fortunately, there is no shortage of notaries in the United States. In fact, according to www.nationalnotary.org for every 73 Americans, there is one notary public. To put that in perspective, that is almost 4.5 million notaries. Therefore, you should not have to go far to find one. Read on to get some tips on where to find a notary public near you.

1. The Public Library

With the perpetual growth of the internet, people are becoming less and less interested in libraries. However, libraries are still magical places with loads to offer. There are over 115,000 libraries in America. Within those hallowed halls, you will find countless books, newspapers, movies, and more.

Furthermore, many libraries offer notary services. Better yet, notaries in public libraries are often available for free or a very low cost. While you are in there, treat yourself to a new novel, or perhaps an old classic tale.

2. Your Local Bank

Banks are always a great place to start your search for a notary. Many banks have a notary available on site at all times. If you are an account-holding member of that particular bank, sometimes you are privy to complimentary notary services.

A quick note – notaries serve the public. Therefore, you do not have to be a customer or client of an establishment to utilize their notary services.

3. Local Government Offices

Many government offices have a notary available on site. Survey your town for local government offices. Think City Hall, Town Hall, County Clerk’s office, or even your local DMV. Call ahead to confirm pricing and availability at your local branches.

4. Police Stations

Some police stations offer public notary services. However, this is not a universal feature of all police stations. Be sure to inquire about notary services at your local police station.

5. Local Businesses

In addition to your local government offices, many local business offer notary services. Considering the services of a notary are vital to the daily workings of a business, many companies will have a notary or two on staff at all times. Some examples include:

• Real Estate Offices
• Car Dealerships
• Insurance Agencies
• AAA Branches
• Law Offices

6. Colleges and Universities

Many cities and towns feature local colleges and/or universities. Most of these education establishments will staff a notary on site. Better yet, students and faculty of these establishments can often enjoy free or low-priced notary services.

7. Hotels

Are you traveling and need a notary in a pinch? Even though your favorite local notary may be miles away, you need not worry. Many hotels offer a notary on site as an added perk for hotel guests. If not, the local concierge can likely help point you in the direction of a notary.

8. Your Workplace

Save yourself the hassle of searching the town for a notary and ask around your own office! As previously mentioned, many businesses find it convenient and lucrative to have a notary on site. Depending on where you work, you may be able to score notary services from a co-worker.

Keep in mind, a notary cannot legally notarize a document in which they have a personal stake in. Let’s say you decide to open a business with your co-worker. Bonus! They happen to be a certified notary. You may think this will be a time-saver on the notarization front. However, your co-worker can not notarize any documents in which they are involved.

9. Mobile Notaries

Better yet, for the ultimate in notarization ease hire a mobile notary! That’s right, you can have a certified notary come straight to your home or place of business. This option is more readily available in bigger metropolitan areas and cities.

Keep in mind that convenience usually comes at a price. Individual signature fees are capped by state law. However, notaries can charge certain additional fees. In terms of a mobile notary, your transaction will usually include a travel fee. Get a quote from your mobile notary first, so you know what to expect.

Define Attorney: Lawyer vs. Notary

To be clear, a notary public is not a lawyer. To illustrate, when a client requires a notarization, it is not the role of the notary to answer any questions regarding the document being notarized. In fact, a notary cannot legally advise upon the contents of a document they are notarizing.

However, some lawyers are also notaries. That is to say, attornies must undergo years of training and pass the state bar exam to officially practice law. Some of these attornies may also opt to become certified notaries. In that case, a lawyer can in fact act as a notary, so long as they are not notarizing a document they drafted or advised upon.

Notario Publico vs. Notary Public

To make matters only slightly more confusing, let’s discuss a notario publico. In Hispanic cultures, a notario publico acts as legal counsel and notary public for clients. Unlike notary public’s in America, Notario publico’s undergo years of training.

This is an important distinction to make. Since certain affidavits deal with immigration, it is vital for clients to understand that in the U.S. a notary cannot act as legal counsel.

Fun Notary Facts

For some added bonus content, let’s learn a little about America’s notaries. As previously mentioned, there are more than 4.5 million certified notaries in the United States. To further illustrate, that is more notaries than law enforcement, firefighters, and military in the U.S. combined.

Interestingly enough, women make up almost 85% of notaries in the United States. Florida has that most notaries, clocking in with almost 496,000 notaries. Texas comes in second with over 427,000 certified notaries. Conversely, Hawaii has the fewest notaries to offer with a mere 6,000 notaries dispersed amongst the islands of Hawaii.

Over 50% of notarizations performed in America deal specifically with loans. Additionally, 42% of notaries have been performing notarizations for five years or less. That is to say, notaries have a high turnover rate. Most notaries do not choose to make a career out of it, but more as a steady source of additional income.

If you are interested in more notary fun-facts, check out nationalnotary.org for a thorough notary infographic.

Affidavit: In Summary

Whether you are changing your name after getting married or simply signing up to vote, you are going to encounter an affidavit at one point or another. An affidavit is simply a document containing information sworn by the author to be complete and true. Lying, or omitting information from an affidavit is a crime referred to as perjury. Finally, in order to be considered a legally binding document, affidavits must be notarized.

Sources

https://www.rocketlawyer.com/article/affidavit-definition.rl

https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/crime-penalties/federal/perjury.htm

https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2017/10/who-are-americas-notaries

https://www.superiornotaryservices.com/blog/types-of-affidavits/h

https://legaldictionary.net/affidavit/

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https://www.rocketlawyer.com/form/affidavit.rl

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-is-probate

https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/how-to-become-a-notary-public

https://www.thebalanceeveryday.com/where-to-notarize-affidavit-896914

https://www.superiornotaryservices.com/blog/what-need-document-notarized/