Frequently Asked Questions

A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government —typically by the secretary of state — to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. These official acts are called notarizations, or notarial acts. Notaries are publicly commissioned as “ministerial” officials, meaning that they are expected to follow written rules without the exercise of significant personal discretion, as would otherwise be the case with a “judicial” official.

A Notary's duty is to screen the signers of important documents — such as property deeds, wills and powers of attorney — for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction. Some notarizations also require the Notary to put the signer under an oath, declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.

Impartiality is the foundation of the Notary's public trust. They are duty-bound not to act in situations where they have a personal interest. The public trusts that the Notary’s screening tasks have not been corrupted by self-interest. And impartiality dictates that a Notary never refuse to serve a person due to race, nationality, religion, politics, sexual orientation or status as a non-customer.

As official representatives of the state, Notaries Public certify the proper execution of many of the life-changing documents of private citizens — whether those diverse transactions convey real estate, grant powers of attorney, establish a prenuptial agreement, or perform the multitude of other activities that enable our civil society to function.

Please review all documents for the correct spelling of names and correct dates. Please complete all forms except signatures and notarized areas. Make sure to bring a valid identification for the signing.

Any one of the following Valid Identifications (providing they are current) are acceptable:
• Florida Driver’s License
• Florida Identification Card
• Two credible witness’s (for a person who does not have current ID)
• Mexico Driver’s license
• US Passport
• US Military ID Card
• Inmate ID Card
• Other State Driver’s License
• Other State Identification card
• Canada Driver’s License
• Foreign Passports stamped by USCIS

• Power of Attorney
• Divorce Agreements
• Affidavits
• Oath Cards
• Parental Consent Letters
• Bonds
• Copy Certifications
• Wills & Trusts
• Guardianships
• Domestic Partnerships
• Bill of Sale
• Passport & Visa Authentications
• Adoption Documents
• Contracts
• Corporate Documents
• Vehicle Title Transfers
• Spousal Consent Forms
• Mylar Maps
• Condo Conversions
• Advanced Health Care Directive
• Estate Plans
• Proof of Life Documents
• Proof of Residency
• And many more!