Business doesn't always stop at the border.

A company working with international clients, vendors, partners, artists, manufacturers, or organizations may encounter documents intended for use outside the United States.

Depending on the document and destination, the process might involve notarization, an apostille, or another form of authentication.

These aren't interchangeable services, and not every international document follows the same process.

Creative businesses still have very uncreative paperwork. 😂

Photographers, designers, production companies, agencies, and studios may occasionally encounter business documents, sworn statements, authorizations, or other paperwork requiring notarization.

That doesn't mean a creative studio needs a notary every week.

Behind every beautiful collection, boutique, or independent fashion label is a business.

And businesses come with paperwork.

Fashion professionals may occasionally encounter documents involving business operations, commercial arrangements, sworn statements, authorizations, international matters, or other transactions where notarization is requested.

New York is home to people and businesses from around the world, which means notaries may encounter documents written in languages other than English.

So does a document have to be written in English to be notarized?

The answer depends on applicable state law, the circumstances, the requested notarial act, and whether the notary can properly perform their duties.

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.

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

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

Certified transcripts may be used for:

• depositions

• hearings

• arbitrations

• administrative proceedings

Depending on state requirements, a notary stamp may include:

• the notary's name

• commission number

• state of commission

• commission expiration date

Families may choose to prepare documents such as:

• powers of attorney

• healthcare directives

• parental consent forms

• estate planning documents

Small Details Matter

Common issues that can cause delays include:

• incomplete information

• missing signatures

• incorrect names

• unsigned notarization certificates