As a licensed and commissioned notary public in California, I have come across various mistakes that people make when it comes to notarization. In this article, I will be discussing some of the most Common Notarization Mistakes in Los Angeles, and how to avoid them.
1. Failing to Bring Proper Identification
One of the most Common Notarization Mistakes in Los Angeles people make when seeking notary services is failing to bring the proper identification. As a California Notary Public, I am required to verify the identity of each signer before notarizing any document. Acceptable forms of identification include a current driver’s license, state-issued identification card, passport, or other government-issued identification.
It is important to note that some documents may require additional forms of identification, such as a social security card or birth certificate. Before seeking notary services, ensure that you have the proper identification required for your specific document. Not bringing proper identification is one of the Common Notarization Mistakes in Los Angeles.
2. Not Bringing the Entire Document
Another common mistake is not bringing the entire document to be notarized. The notary must be able to see the entire document, including any pages that contain signatures or initials. This is necessary to ensure that the document is complete and to verify the signer’s identity.
In addition, the notary is required to make a copy of the document for their records, so it is important to bring the entire document, including any attachments or exhibits.
3. Failing to Understand the Document
A common mistake people make is not understanding the document they are signing. As a Traveling Notary in Los Angeles, I am not allowed to give legal advice or explain the contents of a document. It is the signer’s responsibility to read and understand the document before signing it.
If you have any questions or concerns about the document, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney before seeking notary services. Here is a bullet point list of some consequences of failing to understand a document before getting it notarized:
- Invalidity: If you don’t understand the contents of a document, you may not realize that it contains errors or omissions that could make it invalid or unenforceable. Notaries are required to verify that signers are aware of the contents of the document they are signing, so failing to understand the document could result in the notary refusing to notarize it.
- Legal issues: If you sign a document without fully understanding it, you could unintentionally commit yourself to legal obligations that you weren’t aware of. This could lead to disputes, litigation, or financial consequences down the line.
- Embarrassment: If you sign a document without understanding it, you may later discover that you agreed to something you didn’t intend to, or that the document contains embarrassing or damaging information that you could have avoided.
- Delays: If a notary discovers that you don’t understand the document you’re signing, they may need to take additional steps to verify your identity or the accuracy of the document. This can cause delays and additional fees.
- Additional costs: If a document needs to be re-executed or corrected due to errors or omissions, you may incur additional costs for legal fees, notary fees, or other expenses.
It’s important to take the time to review and understand any document before getting it notarized. If you have questions or concerns about a document, you should consult with an attorney or other legal professional before signing.
4. Signing the Document Before Meeting with the Notary
It is important to not sign the document until you are in the presence of the notary. As a notary, I am required to witness the signing of the document and verify the signer’s identity. If the document is already signed, I cannot notarize it.
5. Incorrectly Filling Out the Notarial Certificate
The notarial certificate is the portion of the document that the notary completes after witnessing the signing. It is important that this portion is filled out correctly, including the date, the type of notarial act performed, and the signer’s name. One of the most common mistakes is leaving out information or filling out the certificate incorrectly, which can cause the notarization to be invalid.
Top 3 Notaries in Los Angeles
Below are Top 3 Notary Publics in Los Angeles that have shown a consistent track record of notarizing documents correctly. All 3 offices have both onsite and Mobile Notary Services in Los Angeles County.
Bulldog Notary & Apostille
Bulldog Notary & Apostille is a trusted provider of notary and apostille services in Los Angeles County. As a licensed and commissioned notary public for the state of California, we are authorized to notarize legal documents and provide authentication services for international use. We offer mobile notary services for those who cannot come to our office, and we cater to the local Chinese community as a Chinese-speaking notary in Los Angeles. With our 24-hour notary services, you can get the notarization you need on your schedule. Choose Bulldog Notary & Apostille for reliable, affordable, and convenient notary and apostille services.
Long Beach Notary Dude
Long Beach Notary Dude is a professional notary public serving the Long Beach, California area. With our mobile notary services, we come to you at a location and time that is convenient for you. Our services include notarizing legal documents, performing copy certifications, and providing apostille services for international use. We pride ourselves on our affordable and transparent pricing, with no hidden fees or extra charges. As a licensed notary public, we prioritize accuracy and attention to detail in all of our work. Contact Long Beach Notary Dude for fast and reliable notary services in Long Beach, CA.
MY PO BOX LA
MY PO BOX LA is a convenient mail and package receiving service located in Los Angeles, California. Our services include private mailbox rental, mail forwarding, package receiving, and notary services. With our flexible plans and affordable prices, we cater to individuals and businesses alike. Our secure mailbox rental options provide a physical address for your mail and packages, making it an ideal solution for those who work from home or need a professional address for their business. We also offer mail forwarding services for those who are frequently on the move or temporarily out of town. In addition, our licensed notary public can assist with notarizing legal documents. Trust MY PO BOX LA for all your mailbox and notary needs in Los Angeles.
6. Not Knowing the Fees for Mobile Notary Services
Mobile notary services in Los Angeles are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Los Angeles where traffic can be a major inconvenience. However, it is important to know the fees associated with these services before requesting them.
Mobile notaries are allowed to charge additional fees for travel time and expenses, so it is important to ask for an estimate of the fees before requesting their services. It’s important to understand Notary Fees in Los Angeles.
7. Not Verifying the Notary’s Credentials
Before seeking notary services, it is important to verify that the notary is licensed and commissioned in the state of California. Notaries in California must pass an exam, undergo a background check, and complete a training course before being commissioned.
You can verify a notary’s credentials by checking with the California Secretary of State’s website or asking to see their commission certificate.
Documents that Require a Notarization in Los Angeles
Here is a bullet point list of some documents that require notarization in Los Angeles:
- Affidavits
- Wills and Trusts
- Powers of Attorney
- Deeds
- Contracts
- Loan and Mortgage Documents
- Medical Directives
- Vehicle Titles
- Adoption Papers
- Marriage Licenses
- Divorce Papers
- Immigration Forms
- Employment Verification Letters
- Acknowledgements of Paternity
- Oaths and Affirmations
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other documents that require notarization depending on your specific situation. If you’re unsure whether a document needs to be notarized, it’s always best to consult with a licensed notary public in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Avoiding these Common Notarization Mistakes in Los Angeles can help ensure that your documents are properly notarized and avoid delays or additional fees. If you need notary or apostille services in Los Angeles, including Downtown Los Angeles Notary, Mobile Notary Fees Los Angeles.
Remember, it is important to come prepared with the proper identification and the entire document, understand the document, not sign the document before meeting with the notary, and verify the notary’s credentials before seeking notary services. By avoiding these common notarization mistakes, you can ensure that your documents are properly notarized and avoid any delays or additional fees.
If you have any questions or concerns about notarization or apostille services in Los Angeles County, contact Bulldog Notary & Apostille today. We are committed to providing our clients with efficient and professional services at affordable rates.
About the Author
Hi there! My name is Rufus and I am a Notary Public based in Los Angeles. I own and operate three businesses including “Long Beach Notary Dude,” “Bulldog Notary & Apostille,” and “MY PO BOX LA.” I am dedicated to providing professional and efficient notary services, mobile notary services, and apostille services to the community in Los Angeles County. When I’m not working, I love sports, trying new foods, and spending time with my family. I am fluent in English and Cantonese and can also speak a very “rough” Mandarin Chinese. Consider myself a Chinese Speaking Notary in Los Angeles. Reach me anytime at (626) 620-3667 or notarydude1@gmail.com. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to be of service to you soon!