NOTARIZING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS

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Business documents are frequently notarized to add an extra layer of security and authenticity.

• The document itself: Ensure the document is complete and ready for signing.
• Valid government-issued ID: The signer will need to show a valid ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove their identity.
• Signature authority verification:  In some cases, the notary may request documentation proving the signer's authority to sign on behalf of the business.

Notarized documents are documents that have been certified by a notary public to verify their authenticity. Notarization includes the witness and record of the signing of documents to make sure the process is not fraudulent, and to assure that the documents can be trusted by the authorities who requested them.

Financial documents that usually require notarization include:

• Mortgage closing documents.
• Property deeds.
• Loan documents.
• Certain types of credit documents, such as credit reports.
• Financial statements.

Notarization is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic, and can be trusted. It is a three-part process, performed by a Notary Public, that includes of vetting, certifying and record-keeping. Notarizations are sometimes referred to as "notarial acts."

Notarizing a document adds an extra layer of security to contracts and other documents by requiring a witness to verify the identity of the signer. This witness attests that the signer is not signing under duress and that they are aware of the contents of the document they are signing.

In most cases, a contract does not have to be notarized since the signed contract itself is enforceable and legally binding in state or federal courts. Many types of written contracts don't require a notary public to be valid.

No, not all business documents require notarization. It depends on the specific document and your state's laws.

You can consult with a business attorney or refer to your state's notary public website for guidelines. Often, documents requiring notarization will have a designated notary section or explicitly state they need to be notarized.

• Affidavits: Sworn statements about the truth of a matter.
• Contracts: Agreements between businesses or individuals.
• Corporate Resolutions: Important decisions made by a company's board of directors.
• Loan Documents:  Agreements for borrowing or lending money.
• Real Estate Transactions:  Documents related to buying or selling property used for business purposes.