Preparing for Your Notary Appointment

8-16-401. Notice that a notary public is not an attorney.


I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE,

AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.

  1. Identification Needed for Each Signer:

Valid photo ID :

State Issued Driver's License

State-Issued ID Card

Military ID

Passport

The ID's must be current (Not Expired)

Hole-punched IDs are not valid.

The name on the ID must match the name on the document, though it’s okay if the ID shows more of your name.

If you don't have a valid ID, ensure you have a valid ID before your appointment

  1. Have all Signers Present: Whether it's Face-to-face or Virtual all signers must be present with their identification but it cannot show less or differ. If there are any discrepancies, please discuss them with the notary before your appointment.

  1. Be Fully Informed and Ready to Sign It’s important for everyone, regardless of age, to fully understand what you're signing. If you have any questions or are uncertain about the document, make sure to address these concerns before your Notary appointment, contact an attorney or the party requesting the notarization

to seek Clarification.

  1. Complete All Document(s) All documents must be fully completed before a notarization can take place (Do not sign). Ensure there are no blank spaces. In many states, notaries are required to refuse notarizing incomplete documents or inform you that they must be filled out first.

Remember: Do not sign the documents before the notary arrives.

  1. Know What Type of Notarization You Need In Tennessee, each type of notarization serves a different purpose, so it’s important to know which one you need before your appointment. Seek Clarification if Needed. If you’re unsure about the document you’re signing, contact an attorney or the party requesting the notarization before your appointment. It's important that the correct certification is used or your document could be invalid.* It’s illegal for a Notary Public to give advice like this unless they are also licensed attorneys, which I am not. Notarizations generally fall into two main categories:

Acknowledgments This is the most common type of notarization. The signer confirms they willingly signed the document and that they understand its contents. Acknowledgments are often required for legal documents, deeds, and contracts.

Jurats (Oaths and Affirmations) A jurat involves the signer taking an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document are true. This type of notarization is typically used for affidavits, depositions, or any sworn statements.

  1. Exceptions are vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates. Notaries can not make or certify copies of the records. You must go to the government agency that issued the original certificate and request copies. The state of Tennessee does not allow Copies of Certifications by Notaries.

  1. Understand Your Fees and Payment Requirements. I provide a free quote calculator, so you’ll know the total charges up front. A deposit is required to reserve your appointment. The balance is due before the notary stamp(s) any documents.