It’s tempting to get a head start on your paperwork, but when it comes to notarization, patience is a legal necessity. One of the most common mistakes signers make is arriving at their appointment with the document already signed. While it might seem like a time-saver, it can actually cause significant delays—or worse, invalidate the entire process.
Why the Wait Matters
The core duty of a Notary Public is to screen the signer for identity, willingness, and awareness. To do this effectively, the notary must physically witness the act of signing. Here is why you should keep that pen away until you’re in the room:
- Verifying Identity: The notary needs to ensure that the person signing matches the ID provided.
- Preventing Fraud: Witnessing the signature ensures it wasn’t forged or signed under duress before the meeting.
- Strict Legal Requirements: For many documents (specifically Jurats), the law strictly requires the signer to sign in the presence of the notary after taking an oath or affirmation.
What Happens if You Sign Early?
If you show up with a signed document, the notary cannot simply “stamp it.” They will likely ask you to re-sign the document in their presence, or in some cases, you may need to print a fresh, unsigned copy to start over. This can lead to extra fees or a wasted trip.
The Professional Tip: When in doubt, leave it blank! It is always better to wait five minutes to sign in front of a professional than to risk your document being rejected by a court or government agency.
Need a document notarized? We’re here to help guide you through the process seamlessly.
Visit us at www.reignprofessionalservices.com to schedule your appointment!
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