An affidavit is based upon either the personal knowledge of the affiant or his or her information and belief. Personal knowledge is the recognition of particular facts by either direct observation or experience. Information and belief is what the affiant feels he or she can state as true, although not based on firsthand knowledge.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an affiant under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
You are allowed to notarize documents that are sent and /or recorded across state borders — provided, of course, that you are notarizing the document within the boundaries of your jurisdiction.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
A valid, government-issued photo identification is required of any customer seeking Notary Service. The document(s) CANNOT already have been signed nor dated. All signers must be present at the time of notarizing. If your document requires a witness(s), they must accompany you.
To qualify for appointment as a notary public in Maine, the applicant must: Be at least 18 years of age. Be a resident of Maine or a resident of another state with a business or place of employment in the State of Maine. Be able to pass an examination administered by the Secretary of State.
What you need. If you wish to become a notary public, you must be at least 18 years old and live or work in the Commonwealth. You must also complete the application, which requires you to obtain 4 signatures of known and respected members of your community.
Governor Healey has signed into law, Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023 (available at: Chap. 2 of the Acts of 2023 – Supp Budget (mass)), which amend M. G. L. c. 222, Sections 23 through 33, allowing documents to be notarized online and completely digitally, without requiring physical stamps and signatures.
California. California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.
Can a notary notarize in another state? It is unusual for a notary to transfer his or her commission to another state. If you would like to become a notary in another state, you will probably have to meet that state's specific requirements. Therefore, your commission will not transfer to another state.
The short answer is yes, notary publics are legally allowed to notarize documents from any state as long the notarial act is conducted within the geographical boundaries of the notary's state of commission.
Jurisdictional Issues A notary must understand which notarial acts are authorized in each jurisdiction. For example, some states (e.g., California) limit notaries to perform only within their home state borders, while others (e.g., Montana) may allow broader authority under certain conditions.
