There are many cases when institutions, banks in particular, may request a notarized copy of a document. There are many people who are not familiar with the term or the process, let’s start with:
What is a notarized document?
When notaries in Lancaster, PA notarize a document they mark the document with a stamp or a seal, this stamp indicates to others that the signature on the document is indeed the signature of the applicant. The notary actually watches you sign the document in question, after which he or she will affix their seal, this proves the individual or bank that requested the document in the first place that it was you and not an imposter that signed.
How to get a document notarized:
This is not a difficult task; all you have to do is appear at the office of the notary public. Notaries in Lancaster, PA are obliged to ask you for identification that proves that your really are who you claim to be. The ID must be official and it must bear a photograph so be prepared with a drivers license, passport or some ID issued by the government. It is not mandatory that a notary perform notarization, if the notary is not comfortable with you being who you say you are; he or she can refuse with no recourse.
The document in question must not be signed in advance; the notary must actually witness the signature as you make it.
Many banks have an in-house notary, if this is the case and it is a bank that is requesting the document, there will rarely be a fee. If you are using the services of an independent notary then expect to pay a fee, the fee is not much, rarely is it more than $20 and in many cases it is as low as $5.
Where can you locate a notary?
There are many notaries in Lancaster, PA, they can be found working in banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. If the document you need notarized has nothing to do with the bank then you can often find independent notaries working at used car dealerships, check cashing establishments, tax preparers and at offices where residents can go to renew their drivers licenses. Click here for more information.