Question 1

What does a notary public do?

Accepted Answer

A notary public is an official witness. The notary verifies the identity of the person signing, confirms the signature is being made willingly, administers oaths or affirmations when the document calls for one, and completes the notarial certificate. A notary does not verify that the contents of a document are true, correct or wise.

Question 2

What identification should I bring to a notary appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's licence, state ID or passport. The name on the identification should match the name being signed on the document. Every person named in the notarial certificate needs their own identification.

Question 3

Can a New Jersey notary travel to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A New Jersey notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state, which is what makes mobile appointments at a home, workplace or care facility possible.

Question 4

What documents can be notarized?

Accepted Answer

A document can generally be notarized when it contains notarial wording — a certificate for an acknowledgment, jurat, oath or affirmation — and the signer appears in person with identification. Common examples include affidavits, powers of attorney, deeds, consent letters and business authorizations. If a document has no notarial wording, the signer or the party requesting it must supply the wording, because a notary cannot choose it for you.

Question 5

Does the document need to be signed before meeting the notary?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the notarial act. For a jurat, you sign in front of the notary after taking an oath, so leave the signature line blank. For an acknowledgment, a signature may already be in place, but it is safest to wait and sign at the appointment unless you have been instructed otherwise.

Question 6

Can a notary provide legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. A notary public who is not a licensed attorney cannot give legal advice, prepare or select legal documents, interpret a document's meaning, or advise you about your rights or options. Those questions should go to an attorney.

Question 7

What happens if my identification is expired?

Accepted Answer

Expired identification is a problem, and it is not something that can be waived at the appointment. If your identification has expired or is unavailable, mention it when you request the appointment so the situation can be discussed before anyone travels.

Question 8

Can multiple documents be notarized during one appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please say how many documents and how many signers are involved when you request the appointment, so enough time is set aside.

Question 9

Can witnesses be required for certain documents?

Accepted Answer

Some documents require one or more witnesses in addition to the notarization. Whether yours does depends on its wording or the instructions from whoever prepared it. Please arrange your own witnesses and have each bring valid photo identification.

Question 10

How do I schedule a mobile notary appointment?

Accepted Answer

Use the appointment request form on this site. Include your city or the facility, the type of document, the number of signers and documents, whether witnesses are involved, and the dates and times that suit you. You will be contacted using the contact method you prefer.

New Jersey notary questions, answered plainly

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