Notary Forms
Jurat
The second most frequent type of notarization, often called an affidavit. For a Jurat, the signer must personally appear before the notary & either swears, or affirms, to the truthfulness of the document & its contents, & sign the document in the presence of the notary.
Acknowledgement
This is the most frequent type of notarization. Acknowledging a document means that the properly identified signer personally appeared before the notary on the date & in the county indicated, that the signer either signs in front of the notary or acknowledges that s/he did indeed sign the document as well as acknowledging that the document was signed without coercion & that the signer is aware of the documents contents.
Documents I Cannot Notarize
Vital Certificates: Birth, Marriage, Death, Divorce etc.,
Photographs
Faxed or copied signatures
Incomplete documents
Signer not present (except for: Proof of Execution by Subscribing Witness)
Improper ID (need 2 disinterested Credible Witnesses)
These forms are provided as a public service. I accept no liability.
Disclaimer
Georgia notaries are not attorneys licensed to practice law. The information on this site is for your general information only. It does NOT constitute legal advice. it should NOT substitute for legal advice from an attorney.
If there is no notarial wording on your document, you must choose which form to use. Notaries cannot advise you on your choice of form. If you do not know what type of notarial certificate your document requires, please contact the author of the document, or the document recipient, and have them advise you regarding what type of form you should use.
Notary fee schedule
Jurat (oath/affirmation)
Signature witnessing
Acknowledgement
verifications upon oath or affirmations
Ask us about our senior citizen and veterans discount
OTHER FEES
Printed copies of docs - $1 per page
mobile travel fees start at $15
(based on mileage/distance)
Things to Know before a Notary Signing Appointment
IDENTIFICATION
All identification cards must be ORIGINAL, current or issued within the last 5 years, contain a photo, physical description, signature, and serial number. Identification procedures are mandated by the Georgia Secretary of State. The following forms of identification are acceptable:
• Driver's License / U.S. Passport
• U.S. Military ID card / Identification Card
• Foreign Passports Stamped by U.S. Customs
The name you will be signing on the document must match or be "SHORTER THAN" the name on your ID. An ID in your maiden name along with a marriage license evidencing your married name is not acceptable. (see below how to use Credible Witnesses).
CORRECT ID: Document Signature = John Smith (SHORTER THAN) Id = John Adam Smith
CHECK LIST
1. DO NOT SIGN document until you are in the presence of the notary. Acknowledgment Certificate is OK to have been signed years ago.
2. If you have questions about how to complete the document, contact the person who drafted or requested the document. A Notary Public is unable to provide legal advice or assistance in the drafting and/or completion of documents.
3. Every signer must physically appear, be coherent and present acceptable ID at the time of notarization. IDENTIFICATION PROBLEMS- SEE BELOW
4. Original documents must be presented for all Copy Certification. Vital records (birth, death and marriage) cannot be notarized.
5. Know which Notary Certificate you need. Notary cannot give advice on which one to use.
WHAT IF WRONG/NO IDENTIFICATION?
If none of the above-mentioned Identification is available, or the name on your ID is different or shorter than what is on the document then you can use:
TWO CREDIBLE WITNESSES - that can swear to the signer's identity. They must have proper ID, is age 18 or older, know the signer by the name on the document, is not named in the document nor have a financial interest in the transaction described in the document.
SIGNING BY "X" MARK - If signer is unable to sign and has Valid ID, two “disinterested” witnesses need to be present and be witnesses on the document. One witness should write the person’s name next to the person’s mark and then the witness should sign his or her name as a witness. The witnesses are only verifying they witnessed the individual make his or her mark on the document.
Disclaimer:
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law, and I may not give legal advice, or accept fees for legal advice.