Notary Services
You will need to provide completed documents to be notarized and a current photo ID.
Photo identification for all signers and witnesses is required. The following types of photo I.D. are acceptable if they are not expired:
Fees:
*PIDS’ notaries are not attorneys and they are not authorized to practice law, give legal advice, or prepare legal documents. PIDS will not notarize some documents that require additional legal knowledge. These documents include: wills, deeds, mortgages, living wills, living trusts, codicils, protests, power of attorney and depositions. In addition, birth certificates and marriage licenses are publicly recorded documents and certified copies cannot be made by a notary. Certified copies are only available by contacting the specific government entity issuing the document (secretary of state’s office, court of law, county clerk, or Bureau of Vital Statistics). Only documents in English can be notarized.
Photo identification for all signers and witnesses is required. The following types of photo I.D. are acceptable if they are not expired:
- Valid driver’s license or identification card issued by a U. S. state
- United States Passport
- Other U. S. government issued identification card that includes a picture and the signature of the person
Fees:
- Notarized signatures cost $6 for the first signature (per document) and $1 for each additional signature
- Copies of notary records cost $0.50 a page
- Partnership ID Solutions accepts almost all forms of payment for the processing of fees (cash, credit card, or debit card)
- Refunds will not be issued
*PIDS’ notaries are not attorneys and they are not authorized to practice law, give legal advice, or prepare legal documents. PIDS will not notarize some documents that require additional legal knowledge. These documents include: wills, deeds, mortgages, living wills, living trusts, codicils, protests, power of attorney and depositions. In addition, birth certificates and marriage licenses are publicly recorded documents and certified copies cannot be made by a notary. Certified copies are only available by contacting the specific government entity issuing the document (secretary of state’s office, court of law, county clerk, or Bureau of Vital Statistics). Only documents in English can be notarized.
Questions about Notary Services
- Q: What is a notary public?
- A: According to the National Notary Association, a notary public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.
- Q: What does a notary public notarize?
- A: A notary public notarizes any document in which an originator needs to ensure the integrity of the signer. A notary public verifies the identity of the signer, and that they are signing knowingly and willingly. This process helps deter the fraudulent execution of documents.
- Q: How does a notary verify the identity of the signer?
- A: A notary will ask a signer for a document such as a driver’s license or government-issued identification card that includes a photograph, signature and some information describing the person.
- Q: Can a Notary Public prepare or assist in the preparation of any documents?
- A: No, a notary public can only witness the signing of the documents, not assist or prepare any documents. To assist or prepare documents would be an unlawful practice of law. This keeps the notary’s position as an impartial witness to the signing.
- Q: Can I be refused a notarization?
- A: A notary public may refuse to perform a notarization if he or she cannot be certain of a prospective signer’s identity, willingness, or understanding of what is happening at that moment. In addition, a notary may not notarize a document in which he or she has a financial interest.
- Q: Can a notary certify a copy of a document?
- A: State laws may vary, but in general, no. For vital records documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, the requestor should visit the local agency that holds these documents, such as a local county clerk. There are some limited instances when a notary may certify a copy, but it is best to check with the notary of your state.
- Q: What about immigration paperwork..can a notary public prepare or notarize immigration papers?
- A: A notary may notarized papers those that require notarization such as the Affidavit of Support, but they may not prepare or file another person’s immigration papers unless he or she is an attorney or a US DOJ accredited representative.
