Saturday 14 March 2020

Everything You Need to Know About a Notary Public

A notary public is an individual or an institution that is called in for several legal proceedings. Often the role and responsibility of a notary in Surrey in the realm of law seems to be confusing to the laymen. Here is a brief but comprehensive guide for understanding what a notary public is and what do they do.

What is a notary public?

A notary public can be referred to person(s) eligible and appointed to administer oaths and vouch for the signatories for their signatures on legal papers and documents. They acknowledge the identity of the person to be one or some among the signatories. They also bear the responsibility to testify their authenticity.

Who can be a notary public?

Anyone can take the respective examination to become a notary public. Since legal documents are the most commonly notarized papers, attorneys, legal assistants and paralegals are the ones appointed in most cases. But one does not need to hail from a legal background to become a notary public. The examination can be taken after an online or offline preparation course on the duties and responsibilities of a notary public.


Are there risks to being a notary public?

The job of a notary public is a straightforward one. They are not eligible to provide legal assistance or advice. They only ensure that the person whose name is on the paper and the individual who is giving his or her signature on it is the same. However, in case any discrepancy regarding that matter comes to light, there would be legal repercussions for the notary. It can lead to the suspension of their license or even revoking of it. So while on notary duties, one must not take their job lightly if they wish to continue on it.

What equipment does a notary public need?

A notary is expected to have a couple of tools on him or her on their duties. They are:

• A seal stamp with the notary’s name, the state/county where he/she can practice and the date of the expiry of their commission

• A journal recording every document they notarize, place of a signature, name of the signatories, and often a sign or thumbprint of them beside their names.

Southeast Notary Public is a reliable and worldwide accepted notary in Surrey. They are recognized as a trustworthy and impartial, but responsible source of legal attestation for any occasion.