FAQ's
WHAT IS NOTARY PUBLIC?
A notary public is a public official appointed by a state government to help deter fraud. Notary publics witness the signing of important documents and verify the identity of the signer(s), their willingness to sign the documents, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction.
WHAT IS NOTARY SIGNING AGENT?
A notary signing agent is a notary public that has been specifically trained to facilitate mortgage documents for borrowers who purchase or refinance their current mortgage within the finance industry. We are the critical final link needed to complete a loan. The notary signing agents play the role as the impartial witness to identify the signer, verify that all documents are signed and dated, notarize all documents, and return the executed loan package to the lender.
WHAT IS AN E-NOTARY
An eNotary is a Notary Public who notarizes documents electronically.
WHAT IS AN ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION (E-NOTARIZATION)?
Electronic notarization is a process whereby a notary affixes an electronic notary signature and seal information to an electronic document (such as a PDF or Word document). Once affixed to the electronic document, the document is rendered tamper evident such that unauthorized attempts to alter the document will be evident to relying parties. The Electronic Notary also must keep an electronic register of each act performed.
WHAT IS JURAT
A jurat — also known in some states as a “verification upon oath or affirmation” — is for a signer to swear to or affirm the truthfulness of the contents of a document to a Notary or notarial officer
WHAT AS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT?
The purpose of an acknowledgment is for a signer, whose identity has been verified, to declare to a Notary or notarial officer that he or she has willingly signed a document. An acknowledgment requires the following steps:
1. The signer must physically appear before you.
2. You must positively identify the signer according to your state's rules.
3. The signer may either sign the document before appearing before you, or in your presence.
4. The signer must declare (acknowledge) signing the document for its intended purpose.
WHAT IS A TRUE COPY?
A notary public may certify a true copy of an original document. Virginia notaries are NOT authorized to certify “true copies” of court issued documents such as birth, death, or marriage certificates.Only the Division of Vital Records/Statistics may perform such a certification.
WHAT FORMS OF ID CAN BE USED?
All signers must be identified by a government issued photo identification. Acceptable documents below:
* State issued driver's license * United States passport * State issued identification card * United States military card * Unexpired foreign passport * Certificate of united States Citizenship * Unexpired foreign passport * Alien Registration card with photograph services and fees