A notary's seal is evidence associated with an authorized notarial act. It isn't a general-purpose stamp that can simply be added to a document because someone requests it.

Depending on the required notarial act and applicable law, the notary may need to:

• Identify the signer

• Require personal appearance

• Confirm willingness

• Administer an oath or affirmation

• Observe a signature when required

• Complete a notarial certificate

• Make any required journal entry

This distinction is important.

The notary is generally not investigating whether the statements in the document are factually correct.

The notary's role concerns the proper execution of the notarial act, including identifying the signer and administering the required oath or affirmation.

Examples can include a child traveling:

• With one parent

• With grandparents

• With another relative

• With a school or organization

• With another responsible adult

• Internationally without both parents

Requirements vary considerably, especially for international travel.

A power of attorney is an important legal document that allows one person to grant another person authority to act on their behalf in specified circumstances.

Because these documents can provide significant authority, they are also documents notaries may encounter.

Not sure whether you need an acknowledgment or jurat? Learn why a notary generally cannot choose the notarial act for you.

You arrive at your notary appointment with a document in hand, but there's one problem:

You don't know what type of notarization you need.

Can the notary simply choose for you?

Generally, a notary who is not acting as your attorney cannot select a notarial act on your behalf when doing so would amount to giving legal advice.

Can a notary refuse to notarize your document? Learn some of the reasons a notary may be unable to complete a notarization.

You schedule an appointment, bring your document and identification, and expect the notarization to be completed.

But can a notary ever say no?

Yes. There are circumstances in which a notary may be unable or legally prohibited to perform a requested notarization.

Depending on the situation, examples may include:

• Powers of attorney

• Affidavits

• Sworn statements

• Certain real estate documents

• Some business documents

• Certain parental consent forms

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and purpose.

A notary's role is to perform the notarial act, which may include:

• Verifying your identity

• Confirming your willingness to sign

• Administering an oath or affirmation when required

• Completing the appropriate notarial certificate

• Applying their official signature and seal

This is one of the most frequently asked questions notaries receive.

The answer depends on your state's laws and whether the notary has a prohibited interest in the transaction. Some states have specific restrictions, while others focus on impartiality and conflicts of interest.

Before notarizing for a relative, notaries should review their commissioning state's laws and official guidance.

A notary performs an authorized notarial act. Depending on the certificate and jurisdiction, this may involve:

• verifying the signer’s identity

• confirming willingness to sign

• administering an oath or affirmation

• completing the notarial certificate

• applying an official signature and seal

Before scheduling, check how your name appears on:

• the document

• your government-issued identification

• any supporting paperwork provided by the receiving organization

A minor difference may not always prevent a notarization, but the notary must follow the laws and identification standards of the commissioning state

Questions to Consider

• Does my document actually require notarization?

• Should I sign before the appointment? (Usually, no unless instructed otherwise.)

• What identification should I bring?

• Are additional witnesses required?

• Is remote online notarization available for my document?

Benefits of planning ahead include:

• More appointment availability

• Time to correct document errors

• Reduced stress before important deadlines

• Opportunity to gather proper identification and supporting documents

At FC Signings & Co., we've designed our booking process to help clients choose the service that best fits their needs.

Step 1: Select Your Service

Begin by choosing the service that matches your situation.

Examples may include:

• Remote Online Notarization (RON)

• Apostille Services

• General Notary Services

If you are unsure which service is appropriate, contact us before booking and we will be happy to provide general guidance regarding our available services.

Depending on the document, the process may involve:

• obtaining a certified copy

• completing a proper notarization

• submitting the document to the appropriate authority

• paying government processing fees

• arranging domestic or international shipping

Examples can include:

• parental consent forms

• residency affidavits

• medical authorization forms

• guardianship-related documents

• travel consent forms

• school enrollment declarations

Detailed records can:

• support compliance

• provide transaction history

• help resolve questions that arise later

📋 Common Documents

Examples may include:

• parental travel consent forms

• powers of attorney

• academic records

• international authorization documents

Many people assume notarization and apostille services are the same thing.

While they are often connected, they serve different purposes.

🪪 Notarization

A notarization helps verify:

• the identity of the signer

• willingness to sign

• proper execution of documents

Many people know they need a notary but aren't always sure which documents can be notarized.

Understanding the difference can help prevent delays and confusion.

✅ Documents Commonly Notarized

Examples include:

• affidavits

• powers of attorney

• consent forms

• contracts

• sworn statements