Notary Services
Services
Notary Services
As a fully accredited notary public, we’re here to help you take care of some of the most important business you have in your life. Every now and then, or perhaps every day depending on your business industry or lifestyle, there are any number of legal contracts and documents that require the services of a licensed notary.
Whether you’re an individual or you need documents signed on behalf of your business, we’ll witness the signing of your documents, affix them with the appropriate stamp and signature, and answer any questions you might have.
What is a Notary Public?
Essentially, a notary public is a public officer who acts as an objective witness to the signing of important legal documents. The job of the notary is to confirm the identity of the signee, witness the signature, and ensure that the signature was given freely and without coercion. An official stamp and signature is then affixed to the document, which renders it officially notarized.
In the State of New Jersey, notary publics are commissioned for a period of five years by the authority of the State Treasurer and commissions must be renewed by the end of this time period. Various States throughout the U.S. have different ways of assigning notary publics and defining their legal abilities. If you are outside the state of New Jersey, check with your states regulations and guidelines.
New Jersey requirements that a notary public must meet include:
1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Be a New Jersey resident or a resident of an adjoining state who maintains or is regularly employed in an office in New Jersey
3. Not have been convicted of a crime under the laws of any state in the United States for an offense involving dishonesty, or a crime of the first or second degree
Note: A Notary does not have to be a U.S. citizen, but must be a legal resident of the state.
What can a Notary Public do?
Notary publics in New Jersey have the ability to administer the following:
Oaths
A spoken pledge that you promise on a Supreme Being (God, Allah, etc) you have told the truth in a particular statement, or that you will perform a specific duty. For example: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?;
Affirmations
If you don’t believe in “God” or are opposed to taking an oath for any reason, you can take an affirmation instead. For example: Do you solemnly affirm that the document you have signed before me is the truth, and you affirm this under the penalties of perjury?
Acknowledgments
The notary will review documents to ensure there are no obvious discrepancies; make sure the person signing understands the document and is not under coercion to sign; and then to sign, date and stamp the document.
Proofs of Execution
This is a form that is signed by a notary stating they have seen someone else sign a particular type of document. For example, a notary would sign this declaring they know the person who has witnessed a document signed by someone else. The notary must know the witness personally and can also administer an oath or affirmation.
Jurat
A jurat refers to a statement on an affidavit that confirms when, where, and before whom the affidavit was sworn. This statement is usually written at the foot of the document, or on the last page, and will include the full name of the person making the affidavit, their signature, whether it is affirmed or an oath, the day and place it was signed, and the full name and occupation of the notary – with their signature.
Protests for Non-Payment or Non-Acceptance
This is where a protest has been made through formal declaration, that a bill or note has been refused. The protest is signed by the notary on behalf of the holder of the bill or note.
Documents that often require notarization
There are many documents that require notarization, including:
Don’t forget your ID!
A valid government ID is necessary in order to have your documents notarized. Always remember to bring this with you if notary services are required.
If you’re an individual, bring your passport, driver’s license or Social Security ID. If you have company documents that require a witness, you must be an authorized representative of that company. You will be required to verify your personal identity and also provide proof that you have authorization to sign documents on behalf of that company. That could be ownership papers or company registration details listing you as owner, Director, partner, and so on.
Questions?
When documents need to be notarized, it often means that your tax or financial situations are changing and as such you might have a range of questions relating to our notary services or to your financial position in general.
We have an abundance of experience in both of these areas and we are on hand to give you the answers you need. If you need notary services for your business or your own individual requirements, but you’re not quite sure where to go, please give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to discuss your options and help you on the right path.