The following are basic rules for proper and safe notarization: 1) Keep your notary seal in a safe place; 2) Do not notarize a signature unless the signer. A notary public may not notarize his or her own signature and may not notarize any document in which the notary's name appears as a party to the transaction.To get a document notarized, you need to find a notary public. You may notarize a document that does not have pre-printed notarial wording as long as the signer tells you what type of notarization is needed. The signer need not sign in the notary's presence but must personally appear before the notary and state that the signature on the document is his or hers. Bring a valid, government issued photo ID with you when you visit for notary services. Be sure to bring all of the documents that need to be notarized with you. Notarization is the official antifraud process. This process lets the parties know that a document is authentic and can be trusted. Notaries are required to provide services to any signer who makes a lawful request.
