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

   Why are documents notarized?
   Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure they are properly executed. An impartial witness (the Notary) identifies signers to screen out impostors and to make sure they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.

      What type of documents are typically notarized?
   The following types of documents are typically notarized:

   1. Acknowledgments
   The form most frequently completed by the notary public is the acknowledgment.

   2. Jurat
   The second form most frequently completed by a notary public is the jurat. The jurat is identified by the wording "Subscribed and sworn to" immediately above the place where the notary public signs his/her name.

   3. Subscribing Witness
   If a person, called the principal, has signed a document, but cannot personally appear before a notary public, another individual can appear on that principal's behalf. That person is called a subscribing witness.

   4. State Alcholoic Beverage Control (ABC 211) License Transfer Request (Seller) and ABC 227 requires a seller's original signature notarized.

   5. Powers of Attorney - Certifying
   A notary public can certify copies of powers of attorney. A certified copy of a power of attorney that has been certified by a notary public has the same force and effect as the original power of attorney.

   6. Immigrations Documents
   Only a few immigration forms must be notarized, such as the Affidavit of Support (I-134, I-864)

   7. Mechanics Liens Releases/Waivers

   8. Signature by Mark
   When the signer of an instrument cannot write (sign) his or her name, that person may sign the document by mark.