1. We require positive identification with A CURRENT GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO ID. This means it must not be expired.
2. We will not notarize if signers are coerced or appear to be signing under duress, nor will we notarize for those who are mentally incapable, under the influence of drugs (including sedating or otherwise mentally incapacitating prescription drugs), alcohol or other substances which impair the signer’s ability to understand the documents or implications of signing. This is for the protection of the signer and not necessarily the paying party. Travel and expense fees will be due regardless if notarization takes place.
3. A blind signer must be able to state the name of and general contents and intent of the document they are signing. We will read aloud any documents in their entirety at the request of the signer to insure transparency of the document to the signer. We are not allowed by law to comment, interpret, explain or give any legal advice regarding the document(s) or impact of signing. We are not attorneys and not licensed to practice law or give legal advice.
4. Blank notarization certificates will never be provided. All notarizations must be made IN PERSON in front of the notary. Remote, phone, fax or digital notarizations are a violation of Tennessee law and public trust (Unless the notary is certified as a Remote Online Notary. We are not certified as such)
5. We will not alter any documents, make corrections, suggestions or render legal advice.
6. For our protection and that of a minor we will only notarize documents for minors with the consent and physical presence of a parent or legal guardian.
7. Signatures by mark will require two witnesses to sign next to the mark. Witnesses may not benefit from having the document signed or be named in the document.
8. We are not permitted to “certify copies” especially of vital and government records. We can notarize an affidavit from a document custodian (the person in possession of the documents) stating that the copies are identical, however this does NOT imply that the notary is certifying the accuracy of the copies- only that the custodian has stated, under the penalty of perjury, that the documents are identical. We are notarizing the statement of the custodian, not the validity or accuracy of the reproductions.
9. If “notary wording” is absent from a document it will be the responsibility of the signer to determine whether a jurat or acknowledgement is required. Consult with an attorney or the entity requesting the notarization to determine the type of notarization they require. Notaries are not allowed to give legal advice. A jurat is an oath or affirmation that the information included in the document is truthful whereas an acknowledgement essentially “acknowledges” that the signature provided is that of the signer.
10. For the safety of the signer and the welfare of the public, we will only communicate with signers in English. If you speak another language we strongly suggest finding a notary fluent in your language. This will alleviate any potential issues that may arise from misunderstanding or mistranslation by a 3rd party translator.
11. We will keep no copies of documents nor will we read documents in their entirety prior to notarizing. We will only scan for completeness of signatures and information on lines provided and insure proper wording on the notorial certificate. We cannot change wording or render any legal advice.
12. All other policies will be in strict compliance with state law. Notaries are not required to follow notary law of other states. Notary seals should, by practice, be accepted worldwide with the exception of some former Soviet nations.
13. READ YOUR DOCUMENTS BEFORE SCHEDULING. If your documents require witnesses you will have to provide them. They must be present during the signing and notarization. If witnesses are required, the document will generally have spaces for witnesses to sign. Please make sure witnesses have their valid, government issued photo ID.
