Notary FAQ
Your Frequently Asked Questions
important things you should know
FAQ About The Notary Process
No. Identification must be up to date and have the same name as the documents being signed.
All the legal terms are explained and defined in the document. If you have more detailed questions we always defer to whomever drew up the documents.
You can depend on us to keep you informed throughout the whole process.
Our background has taught us to value and protect every client’s privacy and handle all matters with discretion. We are also commissioned by the State, which is something we take very seriously.
Yes, our contact form can be filled 24/7. Just click on the call/contact us button at any time. You can also fill in the form at the bottom of the page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We will not pressure you or rush you to sign. Additionally, if you are not comfortable signing you are free to stop the process at any time.
No, we are not attorneys. We do not practice law or give legal advice.
If scanbacks are requested, we will do that promptly. We also return documents promptly, as soon as the signing is complete. FedEx and UPS have multiple locations in the area, for ease of shipment.
FAQ About Notaries
What is a Notary?
A notary public is a public official whose powers and duties are defined by statute. A notary acts as an official, impartial witness to help prevent fraud, an unbiased witness to the identity and signature of the person who comes before the notary for a specific purpose. The person may be taking an oath, giving oral or written testimony, acknowledging his or her signature on a legal document. In each case, the notary attests that the person appearing before the notary is who that person claims to be.
What Are Notarial Acts?
There are 5 basic acts: 1) taking acknowledgements, 2) administering oaths and affirmations, 3) Certifying affidavits or depositions, 4) certifying "true copies" of documents, 5) performing jurats
Does notarizing a document legalize or validate a document?
No, notarizing does not mean the document is true.
What is a loan signing agent?
A Notary Loan Signing Agent or NSA/LSA is a Notary who has special training to handle loan document signings. Title companies and signing services hire NSAs to deliver loan documents to borrowers, oversee the signing and return the documents.
Preparing For your Notary
Please read these instructions carefully before scheduling an appointment
The Notary Public laws require notaries to take special precautions before notarizing documents
- The document or form requiring notarization must be completely filled out. We do not draw up documents or help you with filling out the document*
- All signer(s) must be present at the time of the appointment
- All signer(s) must provide an original non-expired photo I.D
- The signer(s) must be of sound mind, alert, and mentally competent
- The signer must want to sign the document being notarized
*Maurice Starr Notary may charge additional fees for extra services including but not limited to printing and a convenience fee can be charged.
Reasons Why Your Document Will Not Be Notarized
- The signer is not physically present at the time of appointment
- The document is incomplete or blank
- The signer has been adjudicated mentally incapacitated and has not been restored to capacity as a matter of record
- The signer cannot produce acceptable identification
- The signer appears to be intoxicated, sedated, or disoriented
- The notary knows or suspects that the transaction is illegal, false, or deceptive
- The signer does not speak English and there is no one available to translate the document into a language the signer understands
- The notary believes that the signer is being coerced or does not understand the consequences of signing the document
- The signer or witnesses do not agree to signing the document
