Most of us have either heard about or used a notary before for one of our life endeavors. Whether we’re purchasing a home, finalizing a will or getting married, we need the acknowledgment of a notary for our documents to be valid. But what does a notary actually do? And why are they so important? In this brief overview, we’ll take a look at a few key components of notaries and how modern technology has made them even more convenient.

History of Notaries

Notaries have been used for a very long time to witness and authenticate contracts. In fact, they date back to the Ancient Roman Empire. The role of a notary has changed very little over time, continuing today to prevent fraud and ensure that documents are valid.

Importance of a Notary

If you used a notary before, you’re probably wondering why they are so important. It’s more than having someone witness that you’re signing a document — you could have asked a friend or family member to do that. The notary is important because they add an extra level of validation to the document along with some other critical components discussed below.

  • Avoid Fraud: When you work with a notary, they will verify your identity before witnessing your signature. This helps to ensure that the person signing the document is who they say they are.
  • Wide Range of Uses: Notaries can be used for a variety of documents, including but not limited to deeds, contracts, affidavits and powers of attorney.
  • Peace of Mind: When you have an important document notarized, it provides you with peace of mind knowing that the document has been witnessed and authenticated by a professional.

To become a notary, specific training and certification requirements must be met, typically including taking a notary course and passing an exam.

Notaries in the Digital Era

Notaries are no longer limited to in-person signings. With the advancement of digital notarization, you can now work with a notary from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a computer with an internet connection. A mobile notary agent can also work around your schedule, meeting at your location or completing the signing online. This is ideal for people who have busy schedules or to enjoy more convenience.

Get in Touch With First Class Signing Service

We have 50,000 notaries ready to sign your documents in person or remotely. If you’re in need of this service, contact us to set up an appointment. We look forward to working with you!

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First Class Signing Service’s home office is in Livermore, California, but we pride ourselves on delivering all-in signing solutions to clients nationwide, covering all 50 states and four U.S. territories.

What sets us apart is our exceptional team of 50,000-plus highly qualified signing agents who are dedicated to providing reliable and efficient signing services with utmost care and professionalism.