Serving Santa Clara, San Benito, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco Counties
teresa@stefanisko.net (408)848-8894
What does a Notary do?
A Notary bares legal witness to the signature of a document.
A Notary administers oaths.
A Notary makes the statements in affidavits, powers of attorney, and other documents more "official" and promotes their acceptance.
A Notary's certification on a document assures whoever examines it that it is what it appears to be.
A Notary keeps a journal of services provided. It includes the name, thumb print, and actual signature of the individual whose signature was notarized; general description of the document notarized; and the dates and locations of the services performed.
What does a Notary NOT do?
A Notary cannot not perform services in a State where he or she is not licensed.
A Notary is not a lawyer and cannot answer legal questions or provide council with respect to the documents being notarized.
A Notary cannot not witness signatures to documents that are incomplete. That is, all blank spaces in a fill in form must be filled in. Additionally, all signatures to a document must be notarized and they must be notarized at the same time.
A Notary cannot not witness signatures to documents that he or she cannot read untranslated. The notary does not need to read the contents of the document, but must be able to verify that it is complete and in proper order.
A Notary cannot not witness the signature of a person who is unable to communicate with the Notary in a language in common.
A Notary cannot not witness the signature of a person who does not or cannot understand the contents of the document he or she is signing.
A Notary cannot not witness the signature of a person who is signing under duress or being coerced.
A Notary cannot certify the authenticity of public, official, registered, or court records or documents, nor issue certified copies of such documents or records.
A Notary cannot not witness the signature of a document to which he or she is an interested party.
When meeting with a Notary...
Bring your documents that need to be notarized. Do not sign documents ahead of time, documents must be signed in the Notary's presence.
Bring your government issued photo identification, no more than five(5) years old (For example: Driver's license, Passport, or Military ID). There are procedures to legally verify identity without photo ID, call for explanation, it can be complex.
Bring your cash or check book to pay the notary. (Credit Cards accepted with prearrangement, additional service fee applies)
