What are the most commonly notarized documents?

Most Commonly Notarized Documents

There are many types of documents that require notarization. In addition, there are specific types of notarial acts, These acts depend on the dictates of the document itself. Our purpose here isn’t to list all the types of notarization, nor all the types of documents that require notarization. But, we want to give you some insight. Let’s start with the three most commonly notarized documents, or types of notarial acts. Then, let’s look at ways to apply them. If you require in-depth information about becoming a notary in New York, visit State’s webpage for specific Information.

Types of Notarial Acts

Acknowledgements: Basically, an acknowledgement ensures the person signing a document is who they say they are. It acknowledges that they sign of their own free will. The signer should appear in person before the notary to be positively identified. You will frequently encounter the need for acknowledgements in Deeds, mortgages and all types of trusts.

Oaths and Affirmations: At times you have to administer a verbal Oath for the purpose of compelling truthfulness. An oath is a pledge before God (or a Supreme Being). If someone doesn’t believe in a supreme being, the notary can give an Affirmation. In this instance the person swears upon their individual honor.

A Jurat: A signer to a document swears or affirms that the contents of a document are true. That’s the key. They swear to the truthfulness of the document contents. This differs from a verbal swearing as in an oath. Jurats are performed for affidavits and depositions.

For an in-depth understanding of these and other notarial acts you can enroll in our New York notary exam preparation course. You can also read our blog article on Why One Engages a Notary Public.

Situations to perform an Acknowledgements.

• Living Trust: Today, more than ever, living trusts appear with greater abundance. During a person’s lifetime they create a Living Trust. This means that they designate a trustee to take responsibility for managing their assets. This is for the benefit of an heir or beneficiary – usually a child or other family member.
• Bill of Sale: When ownership of an asset transfers to another party for money, a legal document records the transaction.
• Contracts: A contract might outline an exchange of goods or services. All contracts are not necessarily notarized. The more at stake for both parties, the more likely that the contract would require notarization.
• Articles of Incorporation: When you start a company you create Articles of Incorporation. These documents should be notarized. Otherwise, if you need to submit them to a legal governing body, they won’t be accepted.
• A Deed: When real property transfers, the person or persons that transfer the property must sign the deed. These documents are always notarized. You can learn more about acknowledgements by visiting New York State.Gov.  Or, if you wish to become a notary public in New York, you can register to take our New York Notary Exam training course.

Situations to perform an Oath may.

Federal employees, political appointees, judges, and most federal positions require an oath of office. Even postal works take an oath. Jobs that expose you to highly confidential information usually require an oath. If you  are requested to perform an oath, you are required to do so by law.

Situations to perform a Jurat.

As we mentioned, the signer swears to the contents of the document. For example, you need to provide an affidavit for probate court. You have to verify your identity. You have to verify a death. In such cases you could have to swear to the document’s contents.