As I'm still looking for full-time employment in the Pittsburgh area, I figured it would be silly to waste the notary training I received while I was working for Dollar Bank. I'm offering my services as a notary - by appointment only. See my contact information below!
But maybe you're not exactly sure what a notary does. Below, I've included a little information about the function of a notary, and included some examples of when you might need one. If you find you're on the lookout, and you're in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, I'd be happy to help you! My hours are probably more flexible than those of the brick-and-mortar offices in the area.
What is a notary?
A notary is an individual who is certified to perform limited legal tasks - the most common of which is witnessing signatures on legal documents. In the United States, notaries aren't government officials; therefore, they can charge for their services or provide them for free - the choice is theirs.
A notary will use his or her offical notarial seal and/or stamp, and sign and date the document in question, once the identity of the customer is verified. Then, the notary will record the details of the event in his or her register. The register is considered a public record; therefore, notaries are not permitted to write down personal information like the social security numbers or phone numbers of their clients. They can, however, include notes such as "refinanced mortgage" or "lost cashier's check".
What sorts of things does a notary, well, notarize?
Notaries can sign as witnesses on mortgages and loans, official statements (such as those being used in court), auto registrations and other DMV paperwork, bills of sale, etc. Notaries can sign official legal documents (such as those used by banks), as well as more casual ones (a hand-typed intent-to-sell document between a man and the neighbor who is buying his car, for example).
Notaries are also prohibited from notarizing their own statements, or from notarizing documents in situations from which they could potentially benefit. For example, a child could not notarize his own father's will, nor could a person notarize a spouse's insurance paperwork. In these cases, a third party is required to be the notary.
What do I need to bring to the appointment?
First, you'll need to verify that your document can be notarized. Some documents may require supplemental information from you, or additional paperwork from your notary.
Second, you will need at least one form of photo ID (a non-expired, valid driver's license or state ID works best). At the notary's discrection, additional ID might be requested (examples include a birth certificate, social security card, permit to carry a concealed weapon, etc.).
Third, do not sign the document before you are in the presence of the notary! The notary will not be able to verify it, and cannot notarize your paperwork.
Fourth, be prepared to take an oath or acknowledgement if necessary. For some documents, for example, statements to be used in legal proceedings, the notary must administer an oath or acknowledgement to which you must agree.
Fifth, bring your payment. Notaries have strict guidelines as to what they are able to charge for each type of service they offer. At the notary's discretion, the fees can be waived or discounted. Fees differ from state to state. Pennsylvania's current fee schedule can be found here.
What else do I need to know?
Because they are techically self-employed, and that employment depends 100% on their keeping accurate records, notaries are legally allowed to refuse service at their discretion. A notary can refuse service, for example, if he feels the customer's identification is not sufficient, or if the customer is unwillingly taking the oath or acknowledgement.
Notaries are not private investigators. That is to say that, when a notary signs off on your statement, he or she is simply agreeing that you are the person you say you are, and you say the statement is true. It is not a notary's job to verify the facts in your statement. Therefore, if you have lied, for example, in your complaint against a business or product, and you take an oath telling the notary that your statement is true, the notary is not responsible for your false witness. The notary's only job is to confirm that you're the person making the statement.
How do I make an appointment with you?
I can be reached by e-mailing RebeccaGodlove@gmail.com. Please indicate the type of document that you will need to have notarized, and any questions you might have about it. I will be happy to arrange an appointment that works for you.
Sorry that this post has been a little on the dry side! I'm hoping to write some more creative things soon!
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