When Do I need a Notary Public?

A Notary is required to independently witness and authenticate legal documents and transactions, in particular when they need to be submitted to authorities. 

Notarization confirms the authenticity of signed documents, ensuring that they are fully complaint with the requirements in the relevant jurisdiction.

The certification by a notary can also be needed to confirm the authenticity of the copied documents, such as passports or utility bills.

Don't Sign Yet!

For a Notary Public to notarize your signature, you must sign it in the physical presence of the Notary. General Speaking, it is best to wait until the Notary tells you where and when you can sign, as you may need to swear an oath first, for example. The most common mistake we see is customers signing documents prior to being in front of a Notary. Usually, this can easily be rectified by having the client sign again in front of the notary, however it is of course a little messy. Which may not be accepted in your particular circumstances. If you want to be sure, contact your counsel or the organization that you are sending the document to, and ask. If possible, bring an additional copy just in case.