What Does a Notary Public Actually Do? (And Why It Matters for You)

So, you need a notary. Maybe it’s for a big closing, or maybe it’s something simple like a power of attorney or a travel consent form. Either way, you probably have questions. What is a notary, and why does it matter? Should you just take that document to the nearest UPS store, or is there more to it?

Let’s break it down in the simplest terms and clear up any confusion. After all, this is a big deal - and you deserve to know exactly why you’re getting a notary involved and how it all works.

What Is a Notary Public?

In short, a notary public is an impartial, state-appointed official whose job is to witness the signing of important documents. Notaries ensure that everything is done correctly and that the people involved are who they say they are. It’s basically the document version of a "witness protection" plan- minus the drama.

Now, I know what you're probably thinking: “Do I really need one?” Let’s answer that with another question: Do you want your paperwork to hold up if someone ever challenges it? Because while a notarization doesn’t magically make a document legally binding, it does make it a lot harder for someone to say, “That’s not my signature” or “I was pressured into signing.”

Think of it like this: the notary isn’t giving the document its legal power - that comes from the content of the document and the law - but the notary is the trusted witness saying, “Yep, this person showed up, proved they were who they said they were, and signed this thing of their own free will.” That’s a big deal when things get messy.

Why Does a Notary Matter?

You might be wondering, “What difference does it make if I sign something without a notary? It’s just paperwork, right?”

Well ... not exactly.

When you’re dealing with legal documents - especially ones that involve money or major decisions (think: loan signings, property transactions, powers of attorney) - a notary helps ensure everything is on the up-and-up. They confirm the identity of the signer, ensure the signer understands what they’re agreeing to, and make sure the signature is being made voluntarily (no pressure, no shady business).

That way, when the documents hit the court or land in the hands of an attorney or escrow officer, everyone knows it’s legit. No funny business. No loopholes. Just clean, verified paperwork.

What Does a Notary Do, Exactly?

When you call a notary (like me!), here’s the typical process:

Verify Your Identity: You’ll need to prove who you are. I’ll check your ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) and verify that it’s really you. This is a key step in preventing fraud and ensuring only the right person signs important documents.

Witness the Signing: I’ll be present when you sign the document, making sure you’re not under any duress and that you fully understand what you’re signing. It’s like a quick reality check: “Are you sure you want to sign this?

Apply the Notary Seal: Once you’ve signed, I’ll add my notary seal and signature. This step makes the notarization official. Think of it as a “stamp of approval” that says, “Yes, this document was signed correctly.”

Types of Notary Services

Here are a few of the most common services notaries provide:

General Notary Work: This includes notarizing documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and medical consent forms - often required for personal or legal matters.

Loan Signing Services: When you're closing on a home or refinancing, a loan signing agent (like me!) ensures all documents are signed in the right places, notarized properly, and ready to head off to escrow. One missed signature can delay your closing - or worse.

Remote Online Notarization (RON): Welcome to the future! I can help you complete your notarization through secure video conferencing. It’s perfect for busy schedules, bad weather, or folks who just want to stay comfy on the couch.

Do You Need a Notary?

Not every document needs to be notarized - but many do, especially when they involve legal or financial matters. Contracts, estate planning docs, loan paperwork, real estate transactions, and certain government forms often require notarization to be accepted.

Think of a notary as your document’s VIP security guard. We’re not giving your paperwork legal superpowers - but we are making sure the signature is legit, the signer is who they say they are, and everything’s above board. We help your documents stand tall and proud if they’re ever challenged. And in a world full of scams, fraud, and "Wait, who signed what now?" moments - that kind of protection matters.

How to Find the Right Notary in Your Area

Finding a notary is easy, but finding the right one matters. You want someone who’s professional, punctual, and knows how to handle the details with care.

I’m local to Central Florida and offer both mobile and remote online notary services. Whether you prefer a traditional face-to-face appointment or the convenience of handling everything from home, I’ve got you covered. I know a network of other notaries who can help you as well, even if I am unable or unavailable.

Why Choose Me for Your Notary Needs?

Well, why not? I’m knowledgeable, reliable, and (if I do say so myself) pretty easy to work with. You can count on me to be thorough, respectful of your time, and ready to handle your documents with care - from loan closings to general notarizations.

Save My Info for the Next Time You Need a Notary

Whether it’s a big closing, a quick signature, or you’re just looking for an easy, remote way to handle your paperwork - save my number. Bookmark my site. Tell your friends. You never know when you’ll need a notary, and when you do, I’ll be here to make the process simple and stress-free.

Next time you think, “I need a notary,” remember - you’ve already got one in your corner.

notary sitting at a table with a client