FAQs

All signers MUST have a Government-issued photo identification to present to the Notary. Examples of accepted forms of identification are as follows: 

1. Driver’s License or DMV ID card 
2. US Passport 3. US Military ID 
3. Foreign Passport stamped by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service.

In order for a notary to issue acknowledgement, it is not necessary for the document to be signed in his or her presence. However, the signer must still appear before the notary at the time of the acknowledgement to swear he or she freely signed for the purposes stated in the document under his or her own will.

Some services, such as jurats, require the document actually be signed in the notary’s presence.  A jurat requires the wording “subscribed and sworn to” on the document just above where the Notary Public signs his or her name.

A Notary's duty is to screen the signers of important documents 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. Property deeds, wills and powers of attorney are examples of documents that commonly require a Notary. 

 Before a notary begins the process of notarizing the document, the notary needs to be conscious of the situation. In addition to verifying the identity of the signer(s), the notary needs to check that the signer(s): 

1. Understand the nature of the document they are about to sign. 
2. Appear to be acting of their own free will 
3. Use letters or characters that are understood by both the signer(s) and notary 
4. Communicate directly with the notary in a language understood by both the  client(s) and notary 

Through the process of notarization, Notaries deter fraud and establish that the signer knows what document they’re signing, and that they’re a willing participant in the transaction.

No. Arkansas State law strictly prohibits Notaries from the practice of law.  Notaries should never give advice on any matter relating to a document unless they are an attorney or professionals certified or licensed in a relevant area of expertise.

  Financial Documents

• Mortgage closing documents
• Property deeds
• Loan documents
• Some types of credit or loan documents

Legal Documents

• Wills
• Trusts
• Advanced directives
• Executorships
• Custody and guardianship agreements
• Power of attorney 
• Court documents

Business Documents

• Articles of incorporation 
• Memorandum of understanding documents
• Vendor contracts
• Commercial leases
• Employment contracts
• Construction and loan agreement

... and more.