How Notaries Prevent Identity Theft
Introduction Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States — especially in real estate, banking, estate planning, and financial transactions.Fortunately, notaries serve as one of the strongest lines of defense against fraud by verifying identity, documenting signings, and ensuring that every signature is genuine and voluntary. Here’s how notaries protect you, […]
Why Notaries Can’t Give Legal Advice (Unauthorized Practice of Law)
Notaries play an essential role in verifying identity, preventing fraud, and witnessing signatures. But unlike attorneys, notaries are not allowed to give legal advice, interpret documents, or help clients fill out legal forms. Doing so is considered the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) — a serious violation that can result in penalties for the notary […]
What Types of Documents Can Be Notarized in the United States?
Introduction Notarization adds an important layer of security and trust to legal and financial documents in the United States. Whether you’re handling real estate, business, court, or personal matters, a notary confirms identity, witnesses signatures, and helps protect against fraud. But what exactly can a notary public notarize? Here’s a clear breakdown of the most […]
What a Notary Public Actually Does (And What We Don’t Do)
Notaries play an essential role in keeping legal, financial, and real estate transactions safe. But many people aren’t sure what a Notary Public truly does—or where the boundaries of our authority stop. Whether you need documents for real estate, court, business, or personal matters, understanding a notary’s job helps you avoid errors, delays, and legal […]
The Benefits of Using a Mobile Notary for Title Transfers
Title transfers are an essential part of any real estate or property transaction — whether you’re buying a home, transferring ownership between family members, or updating a title after a life event. Because title documents are legal records that must be accurate and notarized correctly, many people are turning to mobile notaries for a faster, […]
How to Verify a Notary for Your Real Estate Closing
Your real estate closing is one of the most important financial transactions of your life — and choosing the wrong notary can lead to delays, rejected documents, or even fraud. That’s why it’s essential to verify your notary before signing anything. Whether you’re working with an online notary, a mobile notary, or someone provided by […]
Online Real Estate Notary vs. In-Person: Which One Is Right for You?
Real estate transactions move fast — and notarization is one of the final (and most important) steps before closing. Today, homebuyers, sellers, and investors can choose between traditional in-person notarization or the newer, highly convenient Remote Online Notarization (RON). But which one is right for your situation? Here’s a clear comparison to help you choose […]
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Signing Property Documents
Real estate paperwork can be overwhelming: deeds, loan forms, disclosures, affidavits, and more. In the rush to close, it’s easy to make small mistakes that create big delays — or even force you to re-sign everything. The good news? Most problems are 100% avoidable with a little preparation. Here are the most common mistakes people […]
Estate Sales and Notarization: When Real Property Is Involved
Handling the sale of real estate after a loved one passes away can feel overwhelming — especially when legal documents, court requirements, and family decisions are involved. One key part of the process is notarization, which helps ensure that signatures on important estate-related documents are valid, verified, and legally enforceable. Whether you’re an executor, administrator, […]