While our primary business is selling insurance policies to individuals and businesses, we also offer notary services. Below we have explained some of the basic notary duties that you may need from us.
Acknowledgment
When moving around in life, whether you are conducting personal or business, business, a notary may be required to formally declare or “acknowledge” that the signer of a document, often a contract, will, agreement to power of attorney, deeds, etc. has executed the signing of the document according to the following three requirements:
1) The signer understands the contents and purpose of the documents;
2) The signature belongs to the signer
3) The document was signed willingly and without coercion.
Oaths/Affirmations
Oaths and Affirmations must be signed in the presence of the notary. Documents that require Oaths or Affirmations are written affidavits and applications, the legal purpose is for the signer to swear under penalty of perjury that the contents of the documents are true. Oaths and Affirmations hold the same legal purpose, but differ slightly; an Oath invokes a supreme being into the “promise” that a document’s contents are true, while an affirmation does not invoke a supreme being
Signature Witnessing:
There are times when a notary is asked to simply be a witness during the signing of an agreement or document when no acknowledgement, oath, or affirmation is required. The notary will establish the identity of the signer, much like with the previous notarial duties, then the notary will witness the signer sign the documents and complete his/her notarial certificate. Signature Witnessing does not require a verbal ceremony like the previous duties.
Copy Certification:
Some states, Colorado included, allow for a notary to certify that the replication of a document. In these cases, the document being copied must be an original. The notary can make the copy him/herself or witness the copy being made, then he/she signs and seals the notarial certificate, and attaches it to the copy for authenticity.
Notaries are NOT allowed to certify copies of documents whose originals are “vital or public record.” Examples would include birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates. The originals of these kinds of documents are housed in government facilities and only the government entity that holds the original public or vital record is allowed to produce copies.
Notary Requirements:
1) The document signer must be physically present before the notary.
2) The signer must be personally known to the notary or must produce satisfactory evidence of identification. (A driver’s license, state issued ID, or Passport is acceptable)
3) The notary must be present with the original document.
4) The document presented to the notary must be complete.
5) The document date must be the same date or earlier than the day of the notarization, but never later.
6) The document must display notarial language that clearly indicates the desired notarial act.
7) The notary must feel assured that the signer comprehends the underlying transaction and is proceeding willingly.
8) The notary must/should complete a recordbook entry.
9) The verbal ceremony must be performed. (when required)
10) A completed notarial certificate is required.
If you have any questions about our notary services, the notarial requirements, or our notarizing fees, please contact us at either of our locations listed below. If you need a document notarized, we are more than happy to help!
Denver Office Castle Rock Office
1735 E. 17th Ave. #3 513 Wilcox St. #200
Denver, CO 80218 Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone: 303–388-7216 Phone: 303–688-1251
Email: contact@www.insurancedenver.net Email: contact@www.insurancedenver.net