Ask a Notary

I regularly receive calls from potential clients about performing notarial services.  I listen carefully to the request before asking questions or getting  clarification on the request. In general, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Notaries are public officers of the state in which they are commissioned
• ​A notary can only notarize the document in the state in which they are commissioned. For example, my notary commission is valid only in the State of Maryland
• Notaries maintain a log of notarial services performed - a Government issued ID is preferred to record the signers. 
• Notaries can not be a witness and notarize a document . Bring an additional person to the appointment who  can serve as a witness
• Fees charged by the notary vary from state to state and the type of service requested.  The fee guidelines for the State of Maryland can be viewed here
• While a lawyer may be a notary, a notary is not a lawyer. 

​What other questions would you ask a notary?  Please share them below.