• What is a Notary Public?
  A Notary Public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.
  
   

• What is a Notary Signing Agent?
  A Notary with special expertise in notarizing loan document signings. A Notary is hired as an independent contractor by either a real estate lender, a closing agent (i.e., a title or escrow firm), or a signing service to ensure that loan documents are delivered to and signed by a borrower, then notarized as necessary and returned for processing in a timely manner.
   
   

• Why are documents notarized?
  Documents are notarized to deter fraud. An impartial witness (the Notary) will ensure that the signers of documents are who they say they are and not impostors.
  
  Also, the Notary will ensure that signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.
  
   

• May a Notary draft legal documents or give legal advice?
  No. All states prohibit non-attorneys from practicing law. A Notary can be held liable for any damages resulting from an incorrectly chosen certificate or notarization.
  
   

• Does notarization mean that a document is "true" or "legal"?
  No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of documents they notarize. Notaries certify the identity of signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.
  
   

• Can a fax or a photocopy be notarized?
  A photocopy or fax may be notarized, but only if it bears an original signature. That is, the copy or fax must have been signed with pen and ink.
  
  A photocopied or faxed signature may never be notarized. Note that some public recorders will
  not accept notarized signatures on photocopied or faxed sheets because they will not adequately reproduce in microfilming.
  
  Also, if the document has been faxed on glossy fax paper, a copy should be made on bond paper and that copy then signed and notarized, as wording on glossy fax paper often fades. 
  
   

• May a Notary refuse to serve people?
  The Notary shall, as a government officer, public officer and public servant, serve all of the public in an honest, fair and unbiased manner.
  
  
  Only if the Notary is uncertain of a signer's identity, willingness or general competence, or has a good reason to suspect fraud can a Notary refuse service.
   
  
  Notaries should not refuse to serve anyone because of race, religion, nationality, lifestyle, or because the person is not a client or customer.
  
  
  Discrimination on any basis is not a suitable policy for a public official.
  
  
   

• Copyright Law & Policy
  A principle of American law is that an author of a work may reap the fruits of his or her intellectual creativity for a limited period of time. Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States for original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, architectural, cartographic, choreographic, pantomimic, pictorial, graphic, sculptural, and audiovisual creations. “Copyright” literally means the right to copy. The term has come to mean that body of exclusive rights granted by law to authors for protection of their work. The owner of copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and, in the case of certain works, publicly perform or display the work; to prepare derivative works; in the case of sound recordings, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission; or to license others to engage in the same acts under specific terms and conditions. Copyright protection does not extend to any idea, procedure, process, slogan, principle, or discovery.

Notary Services, Notary Public, Notary Signing Agent, Certified Signing Agent, Notary Closing Agent, Certified Notary, Loan Signings, Mobile Notary