Frequently Asked Questions

Notary publics are appointed by government authorities and must adhere to specific laws and regulations governing their duties and responsibilities. One very important role is to act as an impartial third-party witness to the signing of important documents and to administer oaths and affirmations. 

Notary publics are responsible for verifying the identity of the individuals involved in the transaction, ensuring their willingness to sign the document, and confirming that the contents of the document are accurate. The primary goal of a notary public is to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of legal documents.

To ensure a smooth process the following requirements need to be fulfilled:

• Must have an acceptable form of Identification (see "WHAT ARE ACCEPTABLE FORMS  OF ID FOR A NOTARIZATION?" section below).
• Must have document(s) completed without blank spaces. INCOMPLETE DOCUMENT(S) WILL NOT BE NOTARIZED! PLEASE DO NOT SIGN DOCUMENT(S). DOCUMENT(S) SHALL BE SIGNED IN PRESENCE OF NOTARY! 
• Presence of all parties involved in the process.
• Must have an acceptable form of payment.

A Loan Signing Agent is a professional who facilitates the signing and notarization of loan documents during the closing process. When individuals or businesses borrow money from financial institutions for various purposes such as purchasing a home or refinancing a mortgage, loan documents need to be signed and notarized to make the transaction legally binding. 

A loan signing agent acts as a neutral third party who meets with the borrowers and guides them through the signing process, ensuring that all documents are properly executed and notarized according to the lender's requirements and applicable laws. Loan signing agents typically have a thorough understanding of loan documents, legal terminology, and notary procedures. 

• Inked & Sealed is delighted to execute the following Loan Signings on your behalf: 

• Purchase 
• Seller
• Loan Modifications
• Loan Applications
• HELOC
• Refinance
• Reverse Mortgage
• Deeds (Quitclaim, Warranty, Grant)
• Auto Loans

• We are NNA, Loan Signing System and Notary 2 Pro certified. 
• We understand that we are an extension of your company and will represent you accordingly, ensuring you repeat business. 
• We take education very serious and always put your clients needs above everything else. 
• We know the importance of paying attention to detail to ensure a smooth closing process without delayed funding. 
• We have a mobile scanner allowing us to send you scan backs immediately after the closing. 
• We know all FedEx & UPS cut off times in our servicing area. 
• We also offer Remote Online Notarization Loan Signing appointments. 

Step 1: Personal appearance:

The signer personally appears before the notary by physical presence or by means of Audio-Video Communication technology on the date and in the County indicated on the notary certificate (cannot be executed over the phone). There are no exceptions to this very important step!

Step 2: Visually scan the document(s):

The notary will examine the document(s) for completeness. Incomplete document(s) cannot be notarized!

Step 3: Check the notarial certificate:

The notary will examine the notarial certificate to ensure it complies with state laws and regulations and to determine which notarial act is required.

Step 4: Verify the identity of the signer:

The notary will examine and verify the identities of all involved parties.

Step 5: Record the notarization in a journal:

The notary will then record the notarization in a Journal.

Step 6: Assure that the signer understands the document(s): 

It is very important that the signer understands the content of the document(s), has competency to sign and is not coerced into doing so.

Step 7: Administer the Oath/Affirmation or take the Acknowledgment:

The notary will then either administer an Oath or Affirmation to ensure the signer understands that they are swearing that the contents of the document are true or take an Acknowledgement, to ensure that the person is entering the transaction of their own free will.

Step 8: Complete the notarial certificate: 

The notary will then complete the certificate and ensure it contains all information required by law.

Yes, we serve all of the above. We strongly believe that your location should not serve as a deterrent to accessing our services.

Instead of physically appearing before a notary public, the parties involved can connect virtually through video conferencing platforms. During the remote session, the notary public verifies the identity of the signer, witnesses the signing of the document electronically, and applies an electronic notary seal or signature to authenticate the transaction.

Remote Online Notarization offers convenience and flexibility by eliminating the need for in-person visits to a notary's office. It is particularly useful when the parties involved are in different locations or unable to meet physically due to various circumstances. This digital approach to notarization employs advanced security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and tamper-evident technology, to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the documents.

We can accept almost any document with the exception of the following:

• Any documents that are being submitted to a foreign embassy.
  
• Codicils & Testamentary Trusts
  
• Form I-9
  

An apostille is a specialized certificate issued to authenticate the origin of a public document. The purpose is to confirm its legitimacy for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an international treaty established in 1961. The apostille simplifies the cumbersome process of document authentication, reducing the need for lengthy and often expensive procedures.

The Hague Apostille Convention outlines a standardized format for the apostille certificate, ensuring its recognition across member countries. The apostille itself is a single sheet of paper attached to the original document or a certified copy. It includes essential information such as the issuing authority, the signature of the authorized person, the seal or stamp of the authority, and the date of issue.

In the United States, the responsibility for document authentication is shared between state and federal authorities. Understanding the difference between these two levels is crucial for anyone navigating the apostille process.

1. Local Document Authentication: Before obtaining an apostille, your document must undergo authentication at the state level. This involves verification by the Secretary of State or another designated authority in the state where the document originated.
2. Varying Requirements: Each state has its own set of rules and procedures for document authentication. It's essential to research and adhere to the specific requirements of the state in question.

1. U.S. Department of State (DOS): Once a document is authenticated at the state level, certain documents may require further authentication by the U.S. Department of State. This is common for federal documents, such as those issued by federal courts or agencies.
2. DOS Apostille: The DOS issues apostilles for federal documents, certifying their authenticity for use in foreign countries.

Understanding the nuances between state and federal authentication processes is vital to ensuring the smooth and efficient legalization of your documents for international use.

Apostille authentication is a gateway to international recognition of legal documents, streamlining the often complex and time-consuming process of document legalization. By grasping the distinctions between state and federal authentication procedures, individuals and businesses can navigate the maze of bureaucracy with confidence, ensuring their documents are recognized and accepted across borders.

A Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent is a credentialed notary that has undergone advanced training and testing to better serve the public and estate planning professionals in the skillful presentation and execution of trust documents.

We are looking forward to delivering peace of mind to Estate Planning Firms, Family Law Firms, Paralegals and the General Public.

We can provide support should you require assistance with your Estate Planning documents. We are excited to announce that we have partnered with an amazingly experienced Estate Planning Firm, who can assist you in all 50 States! Schedule a free consultation/education call today! 

Photo identification must be current or have been issued within the past five (5) years. Documents must bear a serial or other identifying number.

Acceptable Identification Documents include:

• Valid Driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
• Driver's license  officially issued in Mexico or Canada.
• U.S. Passport issued by the U.S. Department of State.
• Foreign Passport if stamped by the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Permanent resident card or "green card" issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Foreign Passport if stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• U.S.Military ID (Not accepted for RON appointments only).
• A veteran health identification card issued by U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. (Not accepted for RON appointments only).
• Inmate ID issued on or after January 1, 1991, by the Florida Department of Corrections or Federal Bureau of Prisons (only to identify prisoners in custody & not accepted for RON appointments only).
• A sworn, written statement from a sworn law enforcement officer explaining that an inmate's IDs were confiscated upon incarceration, and that the person named in the document is the person whose signature is to be notarized (Not accepted for RON appointments only).

Under certain circumstances a secondary form of ID may be required:

• Social Security card
• Credit/debit card
• Utility bill
• Bank statement

When a document signer is not personally known to the notary and is not able to present reliable identification documents, that signer may be identified through the oath/affirmation of two credible witnesses. They must personally know the signer and must be identified through an acceptable identification document listed above.

In notarizing any document, a notary must complete a notary certificate. The certificate is wording what the notary has certified. It serves as evidence that the notary performed the necessary procedures to verify the authenticity of the signature and the identity of the signer. 

This helps to prevent fraud and provides a level of assurance regarding the validity of the document. Notarial certificates are commonly used for various legal transactions, including deeds, contracts, powers of attorney, affidavits, and other important documents.

When certificate wording is not pre-printed on the document, it is upon the signer to select the type of notarial wording (Acknowledgment or Jurat). Notaries can neither choose nor advise in this matter. If uncertain what type of notarial certificate is needed, please contact the author of the document or recipient, and have them advise you regarding the requirements.. 

It is one of the most common notarial acts. Typically executed on Deeds and Liens affecting the title to real property that will be publicly recorded by a county recorder.

In Florida the execution consists of the following steps:

1. The signer personally appears before the notary by physical presence or by means of Audio-Video Communication technology on the date and in the County indicated on the notary certificate (cannot be executed over the phone). There are no exceptions to this very important step!

2. The Signer's identity is to be verified by the notary through either personal knowledge:

Oath of 1 (personally known to signer & notary) or 2 credible witnesses (personally known to signer)

or

Satisfactory evidence in form of:

State ID.

DL issued by any U.S. State - Mexico or Canada.

U.S. Military ID.

U.S. passport.

Foreign passport stamped by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).

Inmate ID issued on or after January 1, 1991 by Department of Corrections or Federal Bureau of Prisons (only to identify prisoner in custody) or a sworn written statement from a sworn law enforcement officer explaining that an inmate's ID was confiscated upon incarceration.

A permanent resident card or "green card' issued by the USCIS, a veteran health identification card issued by U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

3. The signer acknowledges to the notary that the signature on the document is theirs and made of their own free will to the purposes stated in the document. The document doesn't have to be signed in front of the Notary.

For every Acknowledgement, a certificate must be completed by the notary that includes a statement as to how the signer was identified and that they personally appeared before the notary.

It is one of the most misused and misunderstood terms.

While the purpose of an Acknowledgment is to identify a document signer, a verification with a Jurat is to compel truthfulness by appealing to the signer's conscience & fear of criminal penalties for perjury. Therefore an Acknowledgment should never be called a Jurat. 

In notarizing affidavits, depositions and other forms of written verification requiring an oath or affirmation by the signer, the notary normally executes a Jurat.

1.The signer personally appears before the notary by physical presence or by means of Audio-Video Communication technology on the date and in the County indicated on the notary certificate (cannot be executed over the phone). There are no exceptions to this very important step!

2. The Signer's identity is to be verified by the notary through similar steps as above: see What is an Acknowledgment step 2.

3. The notary has to witness the signature being made at the time of notarization.  

4. The signer then raises their right hand, swears or affirms to the truthfulness of the document and its contents.

For every Jurat, a certificate must be completed by the notary that includes a statement as to how the signer was identified and that they personally appeared before the notary.

Correctly used, a Jurat only applies to the wording "Subscribed and Sworn (or affirmed) before me the __ day of __ 20__, by or similar wording, found in affidavits, depositions or other written sworn statements.