Can a notary do a signature guarantee?
Asked by: Felipa Romaguera | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (33 votes)
Notaries working in banks or financial institutions may be asked to provide customers with a “Medallion Signature Guarantee.” Often mistakenly refereed to as a “Medallion Notary” or “Medallion Stamp”, this request is not a notarial act. It's a special type of signature guarantee provided within the banking industry.
Who can perform a signature guarantee?
A signature guarantee is a form of authentication, issued by a bank or other financial institution, which verifies the legitimacy of a signature and the signatory's overall request. This type of guarantee is often used in situations where financial instruments, such as securities, are being transferred.
What is the difference between notary and signature guarantee?
The basic difference is: Notary Stamps are for legal documents. Medallion Guarantees are for financial documents. A Notary Public is a state-appointed official who serves the public as an impartial witness when signing legal documents.
Why is it so hard to get a signature guarantee?
Why Is a Medallion Signature Guarantee So Hard to Get? Medallion signature guarantees expose financial institutions to risks and liabilities; therefore, they do not issue them readily or to just anyone. Typically, they are provided for well-established customers for a nominal fee.
Is a guarantor the same as a notary?
Let's take a look at how. First and foremost, a signature guarantee, also known as a medallion signature, is used in the sale of financial securities and other financial documents. Notarization is utilized for legal documents such as wills, powers of attorney, contracts or affidavits.
What is a Medallion Signature Guarantee
Who can be a guarantor signature?
As long as they meet these requirements, your guarantor can be anyone, including a family member or member of your household. Although most of the guarantor section on the form can be completed by you or your guarantor, the following 4 fields must be completed by your guarantor: Signature of guarantor.
Do guarantees need to be notarized?
Answer and Explanation: Yes, a personal guarantee has to be notarized. The individual involved in notarizing the pledge acts as a witness for the contract. Therefore, if the individual who signed in to be the guarantor fails, the creditor can use it against them, which calls for a court case.
How much is a signature guarantee fee?
Medallion Signature Guarantee Requirements:
Proof of Transaction Value & Proof of Ownership – most current statement (mutual fund/broker statement showing # of shares, stock certificate) $40 fee for each guarantee.
Where can I get a signature guarantee done?
Local Banks And Credit Unions
Institutions like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase typically provide these services to account holders. Credit unions often offer medallion signature guarantees to their members, with some extending services to non-members for a fee.
How long does it take to get a signature guarantee?
The medallion signature guarantee specialist will review the request (in most cases, a review takes no longer than 2 business days after we receive all documents; complex cases may take up to 5 business days). The specialist will provide email status updates and let you know if any additional documents are needed.
Can a notary authorize their own signature?
While this may seem convenient if a notary has a document to be notarized, the short answer is no, you cannot notarize your own signature. First, there is an obvious conflict of interest. A notary cannot notarize a document in which he or she has an interest, financial or otherwise.
What is the highest level of notary?
All notaries begin at the Bronze level, but can be invited to upgrade to Silver, Gold, or even Platinum!
How does a notary verify a signature?
In most states, a notary public may use any of the following methods of identification to verify the identity of the signer for notary services: 1) the signer must have a current identification card or other document issued by the federal or any state government that contains the photograph and signature of the signer; ...
What is higher than a notary?
The level of authority provided by a Medallion Signature Guarantee is typically higher than that provided by a Notary because Medallion Signature Guarantees are backed by the financial institution providing the guarantee, which assumes liability for any fraud or unauthorized transactions.
Can a notary use a stamp instead of a signature?
If you are a notary who notarizes multiple documents a day, using a signature stamp can be a tempting way to avoid hand cramping and carpal tunnel. However, laws that regulate the acts of notaries are often very strict. This includes using a facsimile signature stamp in lieu of a handwritten or wet signature.
Does FedEx have a medallion signature guarantee?
Since we accept any liability for any forgery, we are required to verify more information than is needed for a signature to be notarized. Why? The Medallion Guarantee offers you extra protection against fraudulent transfers.
Can a notary do a Medallion Signature Guarantee?
These guarantees are performed by specially assigned bank employees. If you are asked to provide any “Medallion” related services by a customer, explain that Medallion Signature Guarantees are not notarial acts and can only be performed by specially authorized bank personnel.
Who signs signature guarantee?
Issuing Authority: Financial institutions like banks, credit unions, and brokerage firms provide signature guarantees. Notaries public, commissioned by the state, perform notarizations. Scope of Use: Signature guarantees apply mainly in financial sectors and involve stock or bond transfers.
What is signing a guarantee?
The essence of a guarantee is that you are agreeing to undertake the obligations of a third party, if they do not. Most guarantees, in fact, also have the effect of making you a joint debtor with the third party and thereby impose a primary obligation upon you too.
Where can I go to get a signature guarantee?
A Medallion Signature Guarantee stamp can be obtained at a bank, credit union, broker, or other financial firm. Individuals should contact the bank, credit union, broker, or other financial firm they have an account with and inquire if the institution participates in the Medallion Signature Guarantee program.
How much is a guarantee fee?
The primary one most borrowers will need to consider is the guarantee fee. They range from 0.00 percent to 3.75 percent of the guaranteed portion of the loan. The cost can vary widely based on your loan amount and repayment term. However, some loans have no guarantee fee, or the guarantee fee can be waived.
How much can I charge as a signing agent?
Here is my advice: pick a fee that you are happy with and stick with it. If you are a signing service notary, choose an acceptable fee of $90 or $100. If you work for escrow companies, I suggest $150 per signing. Yes, some signings will be a doozy, but on the other hand, some will be super easy.
Can a notary make a contract legal?
Just like wills, there is generally no requirement that a contract be notarized in order to be legally binding. However, if a party who signed a business agreement decides to dispute that agreement in court, a notarized contract can help a great deal.
Why is it so hard to get a medallion signature guarantee?
Stringent Verification Processes. Obtaining the stamp involves rigorous verification steps. Applicants must provide valid identification and essential documents. These documents often include proof of ownership of the securities, recent account statements, and sometimes a notarized signature.
Is a guarantee a legal document?
A guarantee is a contract and such instruments must be in writing by virtue of the Statue of Frauds Act 1677.