What is a Notary Public? (And Where to Find One Fast)
You need a stamp, not legal advice. A Notary Public is a state-appointed official whose sole job is to act as an impartial witness. They verify your identity to prevent fraud, but they do not verify the truth or legality of the document itself. Whether you are signing a deed, a will, or a power of attorney, the “Personal Appearance” rule is strict. Here is what to bring and where to find one immediately.
1. The Rule: “Personal Appearance”
You cannot sign a document at home and take it to a notary later.
If you already signed it: The notary will make you sign it again or sign a separate affidavit.
Identity Proof: Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID. (Social Security cards or Birth Certificates are generally NOT accepted).
2. Where to Find Them (Checklist)
Notaries are everywhere, but prices vary wildly.
| Location | Cost Estimate | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Your Bank | $0 (Free) | Often free for account holders. Call ahead to ensure a notary is on duty. |
| UPS Store | $15 / Sig | Convenient walk-in. Higher cost per signature. |
| Mobile Notary | $50 – $150 | They come to your house/hospital. You pay a heavy “travel fee.” |
| Online (RON) | $25 / Sig | Remote Online Notarization via webcam. Valid in most states. |
3. Timeline: Document “Staleness”
Legally, a notarization does not expire. Practically, institutions reject old ones.
| Document Age | Status | Acceptance Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 6 Months | Fresh | |
| 1 – 3 Years | Stale | |
| 5+ Years | Expired |
4. Strategy: The “Jurat” vs. “Acknowledgment”
You must tell the notary what you need. They cannot decide for you.
- Acknowledgment: “I confirm this is my signature.” (Used for deeds, contracts). You can sign beforehand, but must acknowledge it to the notary.
- Jurat (Oath): “I swear the contents are true.” (Used for affidavits). You MUST sign in front of the notary and take an oath.
- Tip: If your document doesn’t have a notarial certificate pre-printed, you must choose one. Asking the notary to choose is “Unauthorized Practice of Law.”
5. Warning: The “Notario” Fraud
Language barriers create dangerous misunderstandings.
⛔ Notary ≠ Lawyer
In many Latin American countries, a “Notario Publico” is a high-level attorney.
- In the USA: A Notary is NOT an attorney. They cannot prepare legal documents or file immigration papers.
- The Scam: Fraudsters call themselves “Notarios” to charge immigrants thousands for useless legal “help.”