A notary is a public officer who’s authorized to verify documents, making the contents more valid. From legal contracts to business agreements, there are several documents that require notarizing for a different reason. Here’s a quick list of why your papers may need a notary’s attention.

4 Reasons Documents Need to Be Notarized

1. Acknowledgments

An acknowledgment verifies that the signer is who they claim to be and that they are signing voluntarily. The signer must appear to the notary in person and may need to provide photo identification. An acknowledgment is usually required for deeds and mortgages.

2. Copy Certification

Copies of important documents, such as diplomas and Social Security cards, may need a notarized signature to authenticate them. The original document must be brought to the notary, who will make a photocopy of it and issue a certification verifying the authenticity of the duplicate.

3. Signature Witnessing

During this process, the notary is verifying that the person appearing before them is the same identified in the document. Additionally, the notary verifies that the signature on the document is from the individual who appears before them.

4. Jurats

Also called an affidavit or affirmation, a jurat verifies the truth of a document. The signer must provide identification and recite an oath or affirmation to validate the document’s contents. The signer may be charged with perjury if false information is later found in the document.

If you need notary services for an important document, contact the experienced team at AAA Legal Process, Inc. in Honolulu, HI. These dependable professionals will notarize a variety of documents, and they will pay close attention to detail, ensuring your papers are accurate and authentic. Learn more about their services online, or call (844) 737-8344 to speak with a notary public about your needs.