A notarization is more than a stamp on a document. The notarial process helps establish the identity of the person signing and creates an official record that the required notarial act was performed.
You may encounter notarization requirements with documents such as affidavits, powers of attorney, real estate documents and other important personal or business records.
Before your appointment
- Have an acceptable form of identification available
- Review your document for blank or incomplete sections
- Know whether witnesses are required
- Bring the complete document, not just the signature page
- Do not sign the document before your appointment; you sign in front of the notary
Florida law requires a notary to personally know the signer or have satisfactory evidence of the signer's identity. Florida law also prohibits a notary from notarizing a signature on an incomplete or blank document.
The goal is identity, proper procedure and document integrity.
Florida Statutes 117.05 (identification) and 117.107 (prohibited acts).
This is educational information only, not legal advice. Coquina Notary is not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.