5 Notary Terms You Should Know At Your Next Signing

 

When it comes to notarizing important documents, understanding key notary terms is essential for a seamless and successful process.

 Whether you're the one seeking notarization or witnessing the signing as a third party, familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you navigate the notary process with confidence.

 Here are five essential notary terms you should know for your next signing:

 Notary Public:

A Notary Public is a public officer appointed by the state government to act as an impartial witness during the signing of important documents.

The primary role of a Notary Public is to verify the identity of the individuals signing the documents and to ensure that they are doing so willingly and with full understanding.

 

Notaries serve as trusted officials to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of legal transactions.

 Acknowledgment:

An acknowledgment is a common notarial act where a Notary Public verifies that a signer voluntarily executed a document.

 

During an acknowledgment, the signer appears before the Notary and acknowledges their signature, affirming that they signed the document willingly and that they understand its contents.

 

The Notary then completes the acknowledgment certificate, which includes the date, location, and other essential details of the notarization.

 

Jurat:

A Jurat is another important notarial act where the signer swears or affirms, under oath, the truthfulness of the contents of a document.

 

In a Jurat, the Notary Public administers an oath or affirmation to the signer, who then signs the document in the presence of the Notary.

 

The Notary then completes the Jurat certificate, attesting to the administration of the oath or affirmation.

Affidavit:

An affidavit is a written statement or declaration made under oath and signed by the affiant (the person making the statement).

Affidavits are commonly used in legal proceedings, and the statements made in them are considered legally binding.

Notaries play a crucial role in notarizing affidavits by administering the oath or affirmation and affixing their official seal to the document.

Notary Seal and Journal:

The Notary Seal, also known as the Notary Stamp or Notary Embosser, is a distinctive marking used by Notaries to authenticate their notarizations.

It typically includes the Notary's name, commission number, commission expiration date, and the name of the state where they are commissioned.

 

The Notary Seal is applied to notarized documents to signify the validity of the notarization. In addition to the Notary Seal, Notaries are required to maintain a Notary Journal or Notary Record Book.

The journal serves as a chronological record of all notarial acts performed by the Notary, providing a detailed account of each notarization, including the date, type of notarial act, document details, and the names of the signers. The journal acts as a valuable reference for legal purposes and serves as a measure of accountability for the Notary.

 

In conclusion, understanding these five essential notary terms is crucial for anyone involved in the notarization process. Whether you're seeking notarization services or serving as a witness, knowing these terms will help you navigate the process smoothly and confidently. Notaries play a vital role in ensuring the authenticity and integrity of legal documents, and their meticulous attention to detail is instrumental in safeguarding the interests of all parties involved in the transaction.