Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Notary notarize a signature if the signer does not appear face to face before the Notary?
Can a Notary notarize a signature if the signer does not appear face to face before the Notary?
Can a Notary notarize a signature if the signer does not appear face to face before the Notary?
NO, a signer must appear face-to-face before a Notary to have their signature notarized. Asking a Notary to notarize a signature if the signer is not present is a criminal act
Does a signer need to sign the document in front of the Notary?
Can a Notary notarize a signature if the signer does not appear face to face before the Notary?
Can a Notary notarize a signature if the signer does not appear face to face before the Notary?
The answer to this question depends on the type of notarial certificate being used. If the notarial certificate required is an Acknowledgment then the signer does not need to sign the document in front of the Notary. However, if the notarial certificate being used is a Jurat then the signer must sign the document in front of the Notary.
What is "Satisfactory Evidence of Identification"?
Can a Notary notarize a signature if the signer does not appear face to face before the Notary?
What is "Satisfactory Evidence of Identification"?
Notaries must adhere to the requirements of statutory guidelines when executing notarial acts. Your notary should let you know what document(s) you should have ready to present for the execution of any notarial act. State law governs "Satisfactory Evidence of Identity", and specific information on what is permissible can be found HERE.
What is an electronic Notary or an e-Notary?
Can a Notary explain to the signer some of the details of a document or help the signer fill in the
What is "Satisfactory Evidence of Identification"?
An electronic notary is a public notary who will notarize a document for you electronically while all participants are in the same room. An electronic notary is also sometimes referred to as an E-Notary. Instead of adding a regular ink signature on paper to your document, the notary adds an electronic tamper evident seal. This means that any unauthorized attempts to alter the document will become evident. While this creates a more secure document if the recipient is requesting the document electronically instead of in paper form, you’ll still face many of the same issues with that of a mobile notary and a traditional notary.
Can a Notary explain to the signer some of the details of a document or help the signer fill in the
Can a Notary explain to the signer some of the details of a document or help the signer fill in the
Can a Notary explain to the signer some of the details of a document or help the signer fill in the
No. A Notary is only authorized to identify the signer of the document, ensure the signer’s willingness to sign the document, give the signer an oath (if required), make a journal record of the notarization, and to complete the notarial certificate for the document being signed. If a Notary performs any other acts or offers any other assistance to the signer then the Notary may be charged with the unauthorized practice of law.
Where can I find more information about Notary's and the Code that governs notarial acts in Virginia
Can a Notary explain to the signer some of the details of a document or help the signer fill in the
Can a Notary explain to the signer some of the details of a document or help the signer fill in the
The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is responsible for the commissioning of Notaries Public in Virginia, pursuant to Section 47.1-8 of the Code of Virginia. At any given time, approximately 120,000 Virginians are commissioned as a Notary Public. More information can be found HERE.