When do I need a notary?
You may need a notary public in various situations, primarily when dealing with important legal documents. Here are some common scenarios where notarization is required:
Common Situations Requiring Notarization
• Real Estate Transactions: Notaries are essential for closing documents related to buying or selling property, including deeds and mortgage agreements
• Legal Documents: Many legal documents, such as affidavits and powers of attorney, must be notarized to ensure their validity and to prevent fraud
• Financial Transactions: Banks often require notarized signatures on documents like loan agreements or account applications to verify identities and deter fraudulent activities
• Wills and Estate Planning: While not all wills need notarization, having a self-proving affidavit signed by a notary can streamline the probate process
• Healthcare Documents: Certain medical directives and healthcare proxies may also require notarization to be legally binding
• Employment Applications: Some job applications, especially those for positions requiring a license or legal standing, may need notarized signatures
• Gun Permits: Applications for handgun permits or concealed carry licenses often require notarization as part of the application process
