Your Notary Checklist

“I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE”

Follow these simple steps to get your document notarized:

1. Know What Type of Notarization You Need

As the signer, you must tell the Notary Public what type of notarization you require. Notaries can describe what the primary notarial acts are, but they cannot recommend one over another. It’s illegal for a Notary Public to give advice like this unless they're also a licensed attorney.

Generally, notarizations come in three basic categories or types:

• Acknowledgements – The purpose of an acknowledgement is to declare that you have willingly signed a document.
• Jurats – The purpose of a jurat is for you to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true.

If you find yourself unsure of the kind of notarization that you require, contact the document drafter or receiving agency to confirm what notarial act they require before your appointment with the Notary. If in doubt, it is always a great option to contact an attorney for guidance.

2. Make Sure the Document Is Complete

Generally, a document must be 100% complete for a Notary to perform a notarization. Make sure there are no blank spaces on your document(s) prior to you meeting with your Notary because that could make the document more susceptible to fraud. 

Notaries are required to either refuse a notarization on an incomplete document or tell the customer that the document must be completed before it can be notarized by them in many states. Please note that a Notary is not allowed to advise you on the legal effects of a document or fill in any part of the document except the notarial certificate wording.

To avoid any delays, please have all documents complete.

3. Bring Acceptable Form of Identification

You will need to have a valid form of ID ready which includes a driver’s license or passport.

When you get your document notarized, you must provide proof of identification or ID. A driver’s license or passport is two commonly used forms of ID. The notary will review your ID to make sure you are who you claim to be. If the notary has any doubts about your identify, he or she will not notarize the document.

Accepted forms of identification for having notarial services performed include the following:

1. State-issued driver’s license.
2. State-issued identification card.
3. U.S. military identification card.
4. Resident alien identification card (green card)
5. U.S. passport.

 Ensure the Name on Your ID Matches the Name on Your Document

If you have recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce or any other reason, be sure that the ID you bring to the notarization matches your name shown on the document.

If there’s a significant discrepancy – for example, your married name appears on the document as “Lucy Smith-Jones”, but you ID contains your maiden name of “Lucy Smith” – then the Notary will not be able to proceed with the notarization unless you can provide an alternative form of acceptable identification that matches the name on the document.

5. Have all Signers Present for the Notarization

A signer must meet face-to-face with a Notary in order to have their signature notarized. If you are using our virtual online notary public services, all signers must be present following the secure, online remote notarization procedures.

6. Be Aware and Willing to Sign

The Notary will check that all signers are mentally aware and alert at the time of the notarization, and that you are signing the document voluntarily and not under duress.

While this is essential for persons of all ages, it is particularly important for the elderly or infirm. If you do not understand the details of your transaction, or you aren’t sure you want to sign the paper in front of you, take steps to address these issues prior to your Notary Public appointment.

Travel and convenience fees for mobile and remote/online Notary services will normally be charged separately.

Make sure to discuss on any additional fees before etc. Notary travels to your location.

What Documents Can Be Notarized?

Virtually any document can be notarized. However, exceptions are vital records such as birth, marriage and death certificates. Notaries can’t make or certify copies of the records. You must go to the government agency that issued the original certificate and request copies.

The state of Tennessee does not allow Copy of Certifications by Notaries.