FAQs

What is a notary public?

A notary public is an official appointed by the government, typically at the state level, to serve as a witness to the signing of important documents and to administer oaths and affirmations. Notaries play a crucial role in preventing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of legal documents. They verify the identities of the signers, confirm their willingness to sign the documents, and may also verify that the contents of the document are accurate. After witnessing the signing, the notary public applies their official seal or stamp to the document, indicating that it has been properly executed.

 

Why do I need notary services?

Notary services are often required for various legal and financial transactions to ensure the authenticity and integrity of documents. Here are some common reasons why you might need notary services:

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• Legal Documents: Many legal documents, such as contracts, deeds, wills, and powers of attorney, often require notarization to be considered valid and enforceable.

• Financial Transactions: Notaries are commonly involved in financial transactions, including loan signings, mortgage refinancing, and real estate transactions, to verify the identities of the parties involved and deter fraud.

• Identity Verification: Notaries verify the identities of signers to prevent identity theft and fraud, which adds an extra layer of security to important documents.

• International Documents: Some documents intended for use in foreign countries may require notarization to ensure their validity and acceptance in the destination country.

• Government Forms: Certain government forms and applications, such as those related to passports, immigration, and vehicle transfers, may require notarization to attest to the accuracy of the information provided.

• Legal Proceedings: Notarized documents may be required as evidence in legal proceedings to prove the authenticity of signatures or the validity of the contents of the document.

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Overall, notary services serve to protect the interests of all parties involved in a transaction by ensuring that the documents are executed properly and following applicable laws and regulations.

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Where do Maricopa Notary & Signing Agents provide notary services?

Our team of professional notary publics travel to a variety of locations to perform notary services, accommodating different circumstances and needs:

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1. Home Signings: A notary can travel to an individual's home to notarize documents, providing convenience and comfort for the signer.

2. Business Signings: Notarization services can be conducted at a business location, allowing employees or clients to have their documents notarized without leaving the premises.

3. Hospital Signings: In cases where individuals are hospitalized or unable to travel, a notary can visit the hospital to notarize documents, ensuring important legal matters can be addressed promptly.

4. Loan Signings: For real estate transactions and loan agreements, a notary signing agent can travel to the location specified by the lender or borrower, such as a real estate office or title company, to oversee the signing of loan documents.

5. Jail Signings: Notarization services can also be provided to individuals who are incarcerated. A notary may visit the jail or correctional facility to notarize documents for inmates, allowing them to handle legal matters as needed.

 

In each of these scenarios, the notary ensures that the necessary identification and procedures are followed to verify the signer's identity and witness the signing of the documents in accordance with legal requirements set forth by the state of Arizona.

 

What documents require a notary in Arizona?

In Arizona, various documents may require notarization to ensure their validity, authenticity, and enforceability. Some common types of documents that often require notarization in Arizona include:

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• Real Estate Documents: This includes deeds, mortgages, promissory notes, and other documents related to real estate transactions.

• Legal Contracts: Notarization may be required for contracts such as leases, employment agreements, partnership agreements, and business contracts.

• Estate Planning Documents: Documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives often require notarization to ensure their legality and validity.

• Financial Documents: Many financial documents, including loan agreements, refinancing documents, and documents related to banking and investments, may require notarization.

• Affidavits and Sworn Statements: Affidavits, sworn statements, and other legal declarations may need to be notarized to verify the identity of the signer and ensure the accuracy of the statement.

• Vehicle Titles and Transfers: Notarization may be required for vehicle titles, bills of sale, and other documents related to the sale or transfer of ownership of a vehicle.

• Adoption and Guardianship Documents: Documents related to adoption, guardianship, and custody agreements may require notarization to ensure their legal validity.

• Government Forms and Applications: Certain government forms and applications, such as those related to passports, immigration, and voter registration, may require notarization.

 

It's important to note that the specific documents requiring notarization may vary depending on the circumstances and the requirements of the parties involved. Additionally, while notarization adds an extra layer of authenticity and legality to documents, not all documents necessarily require notarization to be legally binding.

 

Does notarizing a document guarantee the facts in the document are true?

No, notarizing a document does not guarantee that the facts stated within the document are true or accurate. A notary public's role is primarily to verify the identity of the signer, confirm their willingness to sign the document, and witness the signing process. The notary is also responsible for ensuring that the signer is not under duress or coercion at the time of signing.

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While notarization adds an extra layer of authenticity to a document and may deter fraud, it does not validate the contents of the document itself. It is ultimately the responsibility of the individuals involved in the transaction to ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the information contained within the document.

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Furthermore, notaries are not responsible for verifying the legality, completeness, or appropriateness of the document's contents. Their role is limited to the notarization process and does not extend to validating the factual accuracy of the information contained within the document. If there are concerns about the accuracy or validity of the information in a document, it may be necessary to seek legal advice or consult with relevant experts.

 

Can a notary public notarize real estate transactions in Arizona?

Yes, in Arizona, a notary public can notarize real estate transactions. However, it's important to note that while a notary can witness and notarize the signatures on real estate documents, they cannot provide legal advice or determine the legality or appropriateness of the transaction. In real estate transactions, notarization typically involves witnessing the signatures on documents such as deeds, mortgages, and property transfer agreements. It's crucial to ensure that all parties involved understand the documents they are signing and consult with appropriate legal professionals as needed.

 

What is a signing agent?

A signing agent, also known as a loan signing agent or notary signing agent, is a professional who specializes in overseeing the signing of loan and real estate documents. Signing agents are typically notaries public who have received additional training and certification to handle loan signings.

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Their primary role is to facilitate the signing of loan documents between borrowers and lenders. This involves traveling to the location where the signing will take place, ensuring that all documents are properly executed according to the lender's requirements, verifying the identity of the signers, and notarizing the necessary documents.

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Signing agents play a crucial role in real estate transactions, ensuring that the closing process goes smoothly and that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the documents they are signing. They often act as a neutral third party, providing peace of mind to both borrowers and lenders that the transaction has been properly executed and notarized.

 

What is the difference between a notary and a signing agent?

The primary difference between a notary and a signing agent lies in their roles and responsibilities, particularly in the context of loan and real estate transactions:

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• Notary

  • A notary public is an official appointed by the government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths and affirmations.

  • Notaries verify the identities of signers, confirm their willingness to sign documents, and may also ensure the accuracy of the contents of the document.

  • Notaries typically notarize a wide range of documents, including legal contracts, wills, powers of attorney, and more.

  • Their role is to act as an impartial witness to the signing process and to prevent fraud by verifying the authenticity of the signatures.
     

• Signing Agent

  • A signing agent, also known as a loan signing agent or notary signing agent, is a specialized type of notary public who focuses on overseeing the signing of loan and real estate documents.

  • Signing agents are notaries who have received additional training and certification specific to handling loan signings.

  • Their primary role is to facilitate the signing of loan documents between borrowers and lenders, ensuring that all documents are properly executed according to the lender's requirements.

  • Signing agents often travel to the location where the signing will take place, verify the identities of the signers, and notarize the necessary documents.

  • They play a crucial role in real estate transactions by ensuring that the closing process goes smoothly and that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the documents they are signing.

 

In summary, while both notaries and signing agents perform similar functions related to witnessing document signings and verifying identities, signing agents specialize in handling loan and real estate transactions and often have additional training and certification specific to this area.

 

What forms of I.D. are acceptable in Arizona for notarization? 

In Arizona, acceptable forms of identification for notarization typically include:

• State-Issued Driver's License: A valid driver's license issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) or another state's equivalent.

• State-Issued Identification Card: A valid state-issued identification card issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) or another state's equivalent.

• United States Passport: A valid United States passport or passport card.

• Military Identification Card: A valid military identification card issued by the United States Armed Forces.

• Tribal Identification Card: A valid tribal identification card issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe.

• Foreign Passport: In some cases, a valid foreign passport may be accepted, particularly if the notary is familiar with the specific identification requirements and the passport includes a photograph and signature.

 

It's important to note that the identification presented must be current (not expired) and include a photograph and signature. Additionally, the identification should be in good condition and legible. Some notaries may have specific policies regarding acceptable forms of identification, so it's recommended to confirm with the notary in advance if you have any questions about which forms of ID they will accept.

 

What if I don’t have an I.D.?

It is possible to proceed with notarization if you don't have a valid government-issued photo identification. In such cases, we can still notarize your document if you can provide two credible witnesses who have valid identification and can confirm that they personally know you and that you are the person named on the document.

 

Do I need an appointment to have my document(s) notarized?

Yes, as a mobile notary service, we do require an appointment.

 

How do I make an appointment with Maricopa Notary & Signing Agents?

Making an appointment for our mobile or remote notary services is easy. You can book online or give us a call at 480-329-5621. Our team of professional notary publics are available 24/7 including evenings, nights, weekends, and some holidays.

 

How long does a notary appointment take?

Typically notarizing a document takes less than 30 minutes, but this depends on the number of documents and signatures that require notarization. We can provide a time estimate when you book your appointment.