Can I notarize documents for my in-laws?

Asked by: Ms. Jacquelyn Von IV  |  Last update: April 4, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (7 votes)

In many states, notaries are prohibited from notarizing for immediate family members, such as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. Some states allow notarizing for extended family like aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws, but it is best to check with your state's notary laws to confirm what is permitted.

Can I notarize for my in-laws?

“In California, a notary public is not prohibited from notarizing for relatives or others, unless doing so would provide a direct financial or beneficial interest to the notary public.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

What are the new Florida notary rules?

Florida has new notary laws that went into effect January 1, 2020. Remote notarization is now permitted. A notary will no longer have to physically (in person) witness the person sign the instrument requiring notarization, but instead notarization can be done through a video feed and record.

Do notaries work in law firms?

Working as a notary in a law firm can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to be a part of the legal profession, but you also play a crucial role in ensuring the validity and authenticity of important legal documents.

Does Notarizing a Document Make it Legal?

25 related questions found

Can I notarize a document for my boss?

Can an employee notarize documents for an employer? Yes. A notary public who will not benefit from the transaction in excess of his normal salary and benefits can notarize the signature of his or her employer.

Can an attorney notarize a document?

Yes, as long as a lawyer has been commissioned by the state they practice to perform notarization services, they can notarize a will or any other document type. Lawyers that are commissioned to perform notary services can carry out the same notarial acts as a non-lawyer notary.

What Cannot be notarized in Florida?

According to Chapter 117, F.S., copies of public records, such as the records listed below, CANNOT be attested to by a Florida Notary Public: Any document for which photocopying is prohibited. Birth Certificate. Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization.

How much can a notary charge per signature in Florida?

A Florida Notary Public CAN…

Charge up to $10 per notarial signature on a document and charge up to $30 for performing a marriage ceremony. Act as a notary anywhere in the State of Florida. Notarize foreign documents as long as the notary is confident that the signer can read and understand the document being signed.

Can you notarize for friends in Florida?

Can I notarize my friend's document? No. If a notary public is a party to a transaction, or has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in the transaction, no matter how small, the notary must decline the notarization.

What makes a notary invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Can you edit a document after it's been notarized?

In fact, the signer has the sole right to make changes to the document. Remember, if the notarization period is complete, then the public notary cannot modify a notarial certificate. In order to make changes, however, the signer has to appear in person in the presence of a notary public to initiate new notarization.

What happens if a document is not notarized?

These documents solely depend on the signatures of the parties involved to establish their authenticity and enforceability. Although non-notarized documents can still be legally valid, they lack the supplementary level of authentication and verification that comes with notarization.

Can I notarize for my son-in-law in Florida?

Avoid Notarizing for Family Members

This is explicitly stated under Section 117.107(11) of the Florida statutes, which stipulates that a Florida notary public may not notarize a document if the person whose signature is to be notarized is the spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father of the notary public.

Can I notarize a document for my mom?

In California, notaries are NOT prohibited from notarizing documents for their family members, including spouses, parents, siblings, children, or other close relatives.

Who am I not allowed to notarize for?

Notary disqualifications

These may include: You are a signer of the document. You are named as a party to the underlying transaction or have a financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. The signer is your spouse, parent or child.

Can you make money being a notary in Florida?

Opportunity to make extra money

In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10. In some states, there are no maximum notary fees set by law, so local competition sets the typical price. These types of notarizations can be quick and simple.

How much does a 7500 notary bond cost in Florida?

A $7,500, 4-year notary bond in the state of Florida costs $40 through Notary Public Underwriters.

How do notary publics get paid?

The two most common ways notaries make money are: Part of an established salary (working for a bank, local post office or another business) As an independent, freelance notary.

Can I notarize a document without the person present in Florida?

The document signer must be present and competent to execute the document. The signer must be personally known to you or produce appropriate identification.

Can a notary marry you in Florida?

Florida is one of only three states (the other two are South Carolina and Maine) who authorize their notaries public to "solemnize the rites of matrimony." §117.045, Florida Statutes.

What is the maximum a notary can charge in Florida?

Yes. The state of Florida allows you to charge a maximum fee of $10.00 per notary act. You may charge $30.00 to perform a marriage ceremony in Florida. If you charge a higher fee than prescribed by law, the Governor may suspend your commission.

What happens if you notarize your own document?

You can't notarize your own documents and remain impartial.

Otherwise, you may face criminal or civil liabilities and suspension or revocation of your notary abilities. Even if you can't notarize your own documents, there are plenty of benefits of remote online notarization to help you save time using someone else.

Are lawyers notaries in Florida?

A Florida Civil-Law Notary must be an attorney who is a member of the Florida Bar in good standing, and who has been in practice for at least 5 years. Please review this website and read the governing Statute, Ch. 118, and the Administrative Rule, 1N-6.001, before filling out the online Application.

How much does the UPS store charge for notary?

For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature. Where as other states are lower, sometimes even under $10. However if the notary has to come you or travel for any reason to do the job, the notary can charge whatever traveling fee they would like to on top of the charge per signature.