Can I notarize for my company?

Asked by: Perry Leuschke DDS  |  Last update: May 20, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (69 votes)

As a commissioned notary public, you may perform notarizations for your company if all the proper requirements are met. You may not skip any requirements, and must remain independent in your consideration of the facts and requirements of every notarization.

Can I notarize a document for a company I work for?

It's totally fine. I've worked as an office notary and have had a coworker notarize a document for me.

Can I notarize documents for my own business?

As the law requires notaries to be an impartial witness to the signing of documents, notarizing your own documents presents a conflict of interest and undermines the purpose of notarization.

What are Montana Notaries prohibited from doing?

(1) A notary public may not: (a) notarize the notary's own signature; (b) notarize a record in which the notary is individually named or from which the notary will directly benefit by a transaction involving the record, including as provided in subsection (2);

What is the new law for Notaries in California?

A new law taking effect January 1, 2025, allows a “disinterested custodian” of an electronic record to certify a tangible copy of the electronic record before a Notary. The FAQ below explains how this new law affects California Notaries and what to do if asked to perform this type of notarization.

How to Start a Notary Business while you have a 9-5 Job #notary #sidehustles

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What Cannot be notarized in California?

Documents That Can't be Notarized
  • Documents with blank or missing pages.
  • Documents with faxed signatures (the signer must be present)
  • Documents in which the notary has a financial interest or is not impartial for some other reason.
  • Documents the notary suspects are false, deceptive, or illegal.
  • Post-dated documents.

How much can I charge as a notary in California?

California permits notaries to charge up to $15 for each notarized signature. This cap applies to standard acts, such as acknowledging signatures on documents like affidavits and deeds. Certifying copies costs around $15 per copy, ensuring price transparency.

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.

How much can I charge as a notary in Montana?

Notaries may charge up to $10 for performing an acknowledgment, witnessing a signature, verifying on oath or affirmation, certifying a transcript or certifying a copy or any of the other notarial acts enumerated in 1-5-603, MCA.

Can Notaries work in other states?

A notary must understand which notarial acts are authorized in each jurisdiction. For example, some states (e.g., California) limit notaries to perform only within their home state borders, while others (e.g., Montana) may allow broader authority under certain conditions.

Can your employer keep your notary stamp?

Your seal and journal belong to you and may only be used by you; they cannot be borrowed or used by a boss or coworkers. If you're out sick, for example, your boss cannot have another employee use your seal to start stamping documents.

Can a CA notary notarize a will?

In summary, California law does not allow a will to be notarized instead of witnessed. The state's clear and specific requirements for witnesses are in place to protect the validity and authenticity of your will.

Is it hard to get business as a notary?

It's not instant and it's not easy. Few Notaries find high-paying and rewarding work when first starting out. A crucial part of getting business is finding and introducing yourself to potential customers. While every Notary's community is different, here are some good places to get started.

Can you notarize documents for your own business?

As a commissioned notary public, you may perform notarizations for your company if all the proper requirements are met. You may not skip any requirements, and must remain independent in your consideration of the facts and requirements of every notarization.

Can a notary notarize on their own time away from work?

Yes. You are allowed to notarize documents after working hours. Even if your employer paid the costs of your Notary commission, the commission belongs to you, not your employer.

Can a document be legal without a notary?

Many types of written contracts don't require a notary public to be valid. However, if a person's signature has been notarized, generally, courts waive the legal obligation or duty to prove contract authentication. This can save you a lot of time and money.

What can notaries not charge for?

Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.

What is rule #1 for Montana Notaries Public?

We've said it before and we'll say it again: "RULE # 1 – When taking an acknowledgement, witnessing a signature or performing a verification on oath or affirmation (jurat), the signer must personally appear to the notary at the time the notarization takes place." Montana law defines personal appearance as either ...

How to become a mobile notary?

Steps to Become a Mobile Notary
  1. Meet the Basic Requirements. ...
  2. Complete Notary Education and Training. ...
  3. Pass the Notary Exam. ...
  4. Obtain a Notary Bond and Insurance. ...
  5. Apply for Your Notary Commission. ...
  6. Setting Up Your Business Structure. ...
  7. Marketing Your Services. ...
  8. Managing Appointments and Scheduling.

Can I notarize for my boyfriend?

Let's look at a few cases from both sides. In California, public notaries are NOT prohibited from notarizing for relatives unless it provides a direct financial or beneficial interest.

Is a Montana notary allowed to keep one journal at a time?

Montana law requires notaries public to chronicle all notarial acts in a journal. A notary may keep one or more journals, and the journals may be either a permanent, bound paper journal designed to deter fraud or a permanent, tamper-evident electronic journal.

Can a notary say no?

Always make sure that you have good cause. You cannot turn down a request simply because of a gut feeling, a nagging suspicion or because you simply “don't like the look” of the signer. Some reasons for refusing are clear cut: Say, for example, the signer asks you to notarize his absent wife's signature.

Where is the cheapest place to get a notary?

Banks, universities, and hospitals often provide free notarization services for their clients or those in need. Q2. How can I get documents notarized at a low cost? Consider low-cost options like the post office, law firms, or online notary services like BlueNotary for affordable rates.

Can you make good money as a notary in California?

As of Jan 20, 2025, the average annual pay for a Notary in California is $63,928 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $30.73 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,229/week or $5,327/month.

Do banks have notaries?

Most banks have notaries that provide the service for free for their customers and for a fee for non-customers. A document is notarized when a third party, known as a notary public, verifies your identity and witnesses you signing the document.