It has become clear that notaries provide a vital service to society, and the jobs are only going to be in higher demand. From checking that the identification document is valid and hasn’t been tampered with to confirming that the signer is who they say they are, it’s important that everything checks out, and fortunately, these mistakes are very rare. But it is also becoming clear that notaries must avoid certain mistakes in order to stay in good standing with the law. With so much involved, a small mistake can have huge consequences if they are not corrected. Find out what mistakes these are, and how you can avoid them!

Mistake 1: Not documenting a witness while signing

One of the most common mistakes notaries make is not having a witness present when signing where the document requires one. This can lead to serious problems down the road, as the notary’s signature may not be considered valid without a witness. Always make sure to document the witnesses present when you are notarizing documents that require witnesses. 

Mistake 2: Fraud and forgery in  ID documents

Fraud and forgery can occur in any type of document, but are especially common in ID’S. Notaries must be vigilant in examining any identification documents presented for signs of fraud or forgery. Some common indicators of fraud or forgery include:

– ID’s that have been altered in any way (Shape, quality, legible print etc.)

– ID’s that have a different picture than the person presenting

– Signatures that do not match the name on the ID

– Not paying attention to suffixes.

If a notary suspects that a document is fraudulent, they have the right to refuse to notarize it and report the matter to the authorities.

Mistake 3: Advising client without knowledge of law

A notary CANNOT provide legal advice. When interacting with clients, it is important to remember that not everyone has the same level of knowledge about the law. For example, some people may only have a general understanding of the law, while others may be completely unfamiliar with it. As a result, it is important to ensure that you do not provide any legal advice.

If you are dealing with a client who has little to no knowledge of the law, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, avoid using legal jargon as much as possible. Second, take the time to explain things in simple terms so that the client can understand. Finally, make sure that you are clear and concise in your communication so that there is no confusion.

Conclusion

As a notary, you are entrusted with an important responsibility. In order to maintain the public’s trust, it is essential that you avoid making common mistakes. As a Notary Public portland it is very important to not provide any false, misleading or inaccurate information as it may lead to lawsuits, being stripped of your commission and the inability of ever being a notary in any state ever.