Mobile Notary
Our Georgia State Commissioned Notaries travels to a location of the client's choice to perform Notarial services. This service is often utilized for convenience, especially for individuals who may have difficulty travelling or need documents notarized inside or outside of regular office hours. Mobile Notaries handle tasks such as verifying signatures, administering oaths and witnessing document execution and so on and may charge additional convenience/travel fee that may vary based on distance and time of service.
Affidavits on Oath or Affirmation
An affidavit is a legal document in which a person, known as the affiant, makes a statement and swears or affirms that the information provided is true, under the penalty of perjury. The affidavit will include a jurat, which is a notarial certificate that confirms the affidavit was properly executed. It is important for the affiant to sign the document in the presence of a Notary, who verifies their identity and ensures that the affidavit is completed correctly.
Acknowledgements
An acknowledgment is a Notarial act in which a person who has signed a document comes in person before a Notary. During this meeting, the Notary verifies the signer’s identity to ensure they are the person named in the document. The signer then confirms to the Notary that they willingly signed the document for the purpose stated within it. This process adds a layer of authenticity and legal validity. Acknowledgments are commonly used for important documents, such as deeds and other documents or contracts, which are intended to be officially recorded by a county official.
Oaths and Affirmations. Verifications on Oath or Affirmation
Oaths and affirmations are solemn promises (pledge) made to a higher power (oath) or based on one’s own honor (affirmation). Both serve as a commitment to tell the truth and have the same legal significance. When notarizing documents like affidavits, depositions and other written verifications that require a signer to take an oath or affirmation, the Notary usually performs a verification called a jurat. This process encourages the signer to be truthful by appealing to their conscience and the fear of legal penalties for lying under oath.
Certified Copies. Signature Witnessings
A certified copy is a Notarial act that confirms that a photocopy of an original document is true and complete. However, Georgia Notaries cannot certify copies of documents like birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, or other vital public records. Signature witnessing is another Notarial act that helps reduce the risk of a forged signature. It involves a Notary who witnesses someone signing a document, adding the authority of a public officer to the process. During this Notarial act, the Notary positively identifies and takes the signature in his/her presence.
References, Source and Quotes:
1. Georgia Notary Public Manual, Office of the Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts.
2. Georgia Notary Handbook, American Society of Notaries.
3. Georgia Notary Primer, National Notary Association.