Getting Ready

Though a notarial act may seem pretty simple, there are some things you can do to ensure there are no unexpected surprises. Be sure you:

Have reviewed any legal paperwork with an attorney. Notaries are not lawyers and are not allowed to provide any advice or suggestion for what you should or could do.
Have reviewed your paperwork and confirmed it is complete. Notaries are not able to assist in completing paperwork.
Have everyone who needs to sign the paperwork available for the appointment.
Have a valid form of photo identification for all signers. This can be an unexpired state identification card, driver's license, passport, or other government issued identification.
If your paperwork is not complete with a notary certificate, be sure you know what kind of notarization you need. Though your notary may know, they are unable to provide this direction.

The main types of notarial acts allowed in Michigan are:

Acknowledgement - The purpose of an acknowledgment is to declare the Signer signed a document.
Jurats — The purpose of a jurat is for you to swear or affirm the contents of the document are true. The notary is not indicating the contents are true, the notary is certifying the Signer swears to the truth of the documents.
Note: Though allowed in some states, a notary cannot identify a document as "a true copy" in the state of Michigan.

Certify documents for a person who does not appear in front of them.
Certify documents using an expired form of identification.
Certify documents for a person they cannot communicate with (i.e. needing a translator or interpreter).
Certify documents for a person who is heavily medicated.
Certify documents for a person who does not understand.
Certify documents for a person who is not willingly signing.
Certify documents for a transaction they can benefit from.
Provide any advice or suggestions.

Meeting you where you are!