Who is a notary public?
A notary public is a public official appointed by the state government to serve the public in non-contentious matters, usually involving financial transactions, legal documents, and verifying identities. They act as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents and perform other related tasks. Here are some key points about notaries public:
What does a notary do?
- Witnessing signatures: Notaries verify the identity of the person signing a document and confirm they are doing so willingly and without coercion.
- Administering oaths: They can swear in witnesses and other individuals in legal proceedings or affidavits.
- Taking acknowledgments: They confirm that a person has acknowledged their signature on a document and understands its content.
When do I need a notary?
Many types of documents require notarization, including:
- Affidavits (sworn statements)
- Power of attorney forms
- Deeds and mortgages
- Loan agreements
- Living wills and healthcare directives
- Travel documents
What do I need to bring to a notary?
- The document you want notarized
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Witness (if required)
Acceptable forms of IDs
New York State law doesn't specify a strict list of required forms of ID for notarizations. However, notaries have considerable discretion in verifying your identity and can only accept service if satisfied. Therefore, it's highly recommended to bring a government-issued photo ID that meets the following criteria:
Primary forms (most accepted):
- A state-issued driver's license is the most commonly accepted and straightforward option.
- State-issued ID card: A state ID card is equally acceptable if you don't have a driver's license.
- U.S. passport: A valid passport issued by the U.S. Department of State is readily accepted.
- Military ID: Military IDs issued by the United States Department of Defense are considered valid forms of ID.
Other potential alternatives (may require further scrutiny by the notary):
- State, county, or local government IDs: IDs issued by official government agencies within New York (like school IDs) might be accepted, but be prepared to answer additional questions about their validity.
- Permanent resident card ("green card"): While acceptable, it doesn't contain all the details the notary might prefer, so bringing additional ID is helpful.
- Foreign passports: While accepted in some cases, the notary might request additional documentation to verify your identity and legal status in the US.
- Driver's licenses from Mexico or Canada: These might be accepted in specific circumstances, but expect thorough verification from the notary.
- Other IDs deemed acceptable by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: This category is broad and varies based on individual notary discretion.
Can a notary give legal advice?
No, notaries are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice or draft legal documents. Their role is strictly to witness and authenticate signatures.
Can a notary make a certified copy of my document?
No, a New York notary cannot make a certified copy of a document. This is because New York law does not grant notaries the authority to certify copies.
Here's why:
- Copy certification involves verifying that a copy is an accurate and complete replica of the original document. This typically requires comparing the two documents side-by-side and affixing a special seal or stamp to the copy.
- Notaries in New York are only authorized to perform specific acts, such as witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and taking acknowledgments. Copy certification is not listed among these authorized acts.
However, there are a few alternative options if you need a certified copy of a document in New York:
- Contact the custodian of the original document: The entity that issued the original document, such as a government agency, court, or educational institution, is usually authorized to provide certified copies.
- Get the document notarized as true and accurate (notarized copy): While not technically a certified copy, a notary can notarize a statement from the person who made the copy affirming that it is a true and accurate replica of the original. This can be helpful in some situations, but it is not as strong as a certified copy.
Where I can meet the notary?
You can meet our notary in zip codes that are on our home page - we are available 24/7