Carson Mobile Notary: 6 Myths About Notarizing Documents
Plenty of what people believe about notaries comes from hearsay, an old experience somewhere else, or a rumor passed along by a coworker. If you are in Carson and need a document notarized, here are the myths we run into most, matched with the facts.
Myth: A notary can sign off on any document once I show up
Fact: A notary verifies who you are and completes a notarial act. A notary does not approve a document's contents, and cannot notarize if the signer is absent or the identity cannot be established. Documents with blank spaces may be turned away as well.
Myth: Any photo ID works
Fact: The ID must be acceptable under California rules, and the name should correspond to the name on the document. An ID that is expired, damaged, or does not match the signer can stop an appointment. If you are unsure whether yours qualifies, ask when you book rather than at the table.
Myth: The notary can tell me which form or certificate to use
Fact: Choosing the notarial act is not something we do, and we cannot offer legal advice. If you do not know what your document needs, the party that requested it, or an attorney, can tell you. We then complete the wording they require.
Myth: Someone can sign for me and the notary will make it official
Fact: The person whose signature is on the page must appear before the notary. We cannot notarize a signature made out of our sight, and we cannot accept one made on someone else's behalf.
Myth: Notarizing means the document is true
Fact: A notary's stamp and certificate confirm the notarial act took place, such as that the signer was identified and acknowledged signing or took an oath. It does not mean a notary has checked whether the facts in the document are accurate.
Myth: Mobile notaries are only for emergencies
Fact: Emergencies are one reason people call, but a mobile notary is also useful for ordinary convenience. A Carson parent who cannot leave home, a worker who is stuck on a shift, or someone with several signers who all need to be in one place can all benefit from having the notary come to them.
How to avoid problems on appointment day
Gather what you need ahead of time:
The complete document, all pages, with nothing left blank that should be filled in.
Valid photo ID for each signer.
Every signer present at the same time and place.
Any instructions from the agency or lender.
And fingerprints?
Our mobile Live Scan service works differently from notarizations, so do not mix the two up. For Live Scan, you bring the agency's request form with its codes, valid ID, and payment of applicable fees. We do not decide whether you are eligible for anything.
Questions before you book are welcome. We would rather answer them on a call than have a trip wasted.
Book now: or call 310-919-0135.
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