An Acknowledgement is a formal declaration before a duly authorized officer by a person who has executed an instrument that such execution is his/her/their act and deed. 

A Jurat is a notarization in which a a signer swears to or affirms the truthfulness of the contents of a document to a Notary or notarial officer. 

If your notarization requires an oath or affirmation, often noted on the notary block with a phrase such as “subscribed and sworn”, you will be required to raise your right hand and respond to an oath/affirmation such as “Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the contents of this document subscribed by you is correct and true?” A verbal response is required.

Some documents that are commonly notarized are: 

• Advanced directives
• Trust and Estate Planning documents
• Custody and guardianship agreements
• Executorships
• Court documents
• Power of Attorney
• Consent to Travel for Minors
• Adoption forms

NOTE: Wills are not notarized in New York State. Instead, people often use a Self-Proving Affidavit which has your name, your witnesses’ names, and a legal statement declaring you all verify the Will is legal and valid and that you all witnessed its original signing. This document may be notarized. 

Business Documents such as:

• Vendor and supplier contracts
• Articles of incorporation
• Commercial leases
• Memorandum of understanding (MOU) documents
• Employment contracts
• Property construction and loan agreements
• Permits

Financial Documents such as:

• Mortgage closing documents
• Property deeds
• Loan documents
• Financial statements

Some reasons your document may not be notarized:

• The document is post-dated, or has a later date than the date you are meeting with your notary. 
• A signer is unable to prove their identity.
• A signer isn’t physically present.
• The document or form is blank, has blank sections, or is missing one or more pages.
• A signer seems confused and unable to comprehend the content of the documents they are signing and why they are signing them. 
• If your notary thinks the transaction is illegal, they may decline to notarize the document.

Forms of identification that must be presented at the time of the notarization can include:

• Valid, unexpired, government issued ID with photo and description such as a driver’s license or passport
• At least two current documents issued by an institution, business entity, or federal or state government with at least the individual’s signature
• The oath or affirmation of two witnesses who know the individual personally and provide identification that meets the requirements listed above.
• View the New York Notary License Law for more information on identification requirements.

Notaries in New York State may charge $2.00 per notarial act for in-person notarization and $25.00 for Remote Online Notarization (RON). Travel, printing, and additional service fees pertaining to your mobile or remote notarization are in addition to notarial act fees and will be agreed upon prior to the notarization appointment. 

My service area includes the The Greater Binghamton area in Broome County New York. Other locations include Vestal, Endicott, Johnson City, areas of Chenango, Tioga, Delaware, and Tompkins Counties. Please call or text for availability and ability to serve you at your location if you’re unsure.

In New York State, Notaries Public are “commissioned” (i.e., licensed) by the Secretary of State. A Notary Public is a person legally authorized to administer oaths, witness the signing of documents, and deter fraud by verifying the identity of a person who signs a document. A Notary Public is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice. For information about how to obtain the documents you need, consult a trusted attorney. Some documents are standard and may be found on your Department of State website.

Common Documents Available From New York State:

New York Power of Attorney

DIY Forms Available from New York Courts

A Trust Delivery Agent is a credentialed notary that has undergone advanced training and testing to better serve the public and estate planning professionals in the skillful presentation and execution of trust documents. Beth McGee is a certified Trust Delivery Agent trained in the presentation of Trust and Estate Planning documents and notarizations.

If you are an attorney who provides Estate Planning services and are seeking a Notary to facilitate off-site Trust signings, please reach out to discuss how we can work together to enhance your service offerings.

For individuals seeking a Notary to finalize your DIY Trust documents, please call or email today to schedule your appointment. I look forward to serving you during this important time.

As your NNA Certified Loan Signing Agent, I can help you or your clients navigate the signing process for loans and other conveyances with accuracy, efficiency, and confidentiality.