Getting a document notarized is one service that is in high demand. where to locate a notary is crucial especially when you require to notarize a legal document urgently. For example, lottery winners often need a notarized affidavit before they can claim a prize.
This can be difficult if you have to sign a waiver on short notice but are on vacation. Or if you have not obtained a notary in your locality before.
Fortunately, finding a notary is not difficult or expensive – many companies and organizations offer notary services for free. Below are some places you could check out whether you’re on the move or at home.
Some places where you can get something notarized are Local universities, banks, law firms, online notaries, hospitals, local post offices, etc.
Post office
If you are in search of a cheap option where you can get your document notarized, your local post office is one place to check out. Most post offices possess several notaries on their team and this is quite common. In an instance where you visit the post office to send an item, you can also make an inquiry about whether they offer a notary service. While you will be charged a fee to use a notary, it probably won’t be too expensive. Notary services may not occur every day at the post office, so you have to keep that in mind. It is therefore of importance to place a call ahead to make inquiries so you don’t waste your time going to their office.
The Bank
One place most people ignore is the bank. To many, a bank has no affinity with notary services. It is crucial to be aware that before a bank will notarize your document, you must be a customer of the bank. While this isn’t a universal rule, most people will ask you to show a debit card that shows you’re a member of a particular bank before having access to a free notary.
Local University
You may also want to study at a local university. Since many important financial documents are submitted at academic institutions, there may be a notary service you can use at your local college as well. You may want to speak to the receptionist to find out more about the notary services available at your local school. Sometimes some students decide to become a notary as part of their education.
Online Notary
Another option that has to be put into consideration is the online notary service. Your document can easily get notarized online at little cost. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about driving to a number of physical locations in the hope that a notary is available. All you need to do is to book a session online. You can save a lot of costs by uploading the document online.
Today, there abound a large number of individuals who make use of the online notary service.
If you want to notary your documents online, the Online Notary service is very easy. T complete the online notary process; the following steps need to be executed:
Schedule an appointment: Booking an appointment is a primary step to take. You need to view your calendar to see the available dates of the notary service. The next step is to pick a date that won’t clash with your other activities.
Upload your documents: It is important that you scan your documents and upload them. This way the notary can check it before your appointment. There will be a link embedded in the link you were sent.
Answer a few questions: Before a meeting will be scheduled, some questions need to be answered to verify the information you have provided. This way the notary understands exactly who he is going to help.
Have a meeting with the Notary: A video conference meeting will be set up so that they can finalize the notary process. The notary will ensure you are clear on what the document states and that you crosscheck for errors.
Download your documents: Your document will after that be notarized. You then download this and send it to the office in charge.
Reasons for Getting Something Notarized
Fraud and Counterfeit Prevention: In a world where fraudsters prey on every victim that appears, having a trusted notary to verify the identity of the signer provides an extra layer of protection when applying for important documents.
Provides legal protection: One way to avoid litigation and disputes in contracts is to obtain a notary for your documents.
Improve document authenticity: Many new documents become legally binding after being notarized. While this does not apply to all deeds, authentication is still useful, as a notary’s stamp and signature increase the inherent value and authenticity of the deed.
Avoid appearing as a witness in court: A document that has been notarized is seen as self-certified under the law of evidence. This means that without further evidence that it is what it appears to be, it can be presented as evidence at trial. Therefore, notaries do not allow the presence of witnesses, which saves a lot of time and money.
Conclusion
Getting something notarized is not a difficult feat to accomplish. Right in your neighborhood and on your smartphone you can get it done. It’s left to you to decide how and where you want to get to undergo the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get something notarized for free?
Answer: It is very possible to get something notarized for free. Such places include hospitals, banks, and a local university.
- Can I get something notarized online?
Answer: Yes! There are platforms online where you can get something notarized via your PC or smartphone.
