When people think of notarization, they often assume that all documents require the same process. However, as a licensed Notary Public, I regularly assist clients with different types of notarizations depending on the purpose of their document and the legal requirements involved.
At GPS Mobile Notary, we provide professional, convenient, and reliable mobile notarization services. Among the many documents we notarize, three types of notarizations are requested most frequently:
Affidavits and Declarations
Witnessing Signatures
Certified True Copies
Understanding the differences between these notarization services can help you determine which one you need before your appointment.
1. Affidavits and Declarations
Affidavits and declarations are written statements in which an individual confirms that the information contained in the document is true and accurate.
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a sworn statement made under oath. The person signing the document (known as the deponent) swears or affirms before a Notary Public that the contents of the document are truthful.
Affidavits are commonly used for:
Immigration applications
Court proceedings
Proof of residence
Name changes
Financial matters
Insurance claims
Family law matters
What Is a Declaration?
A declaration is similar to an affidavit but may not require a religious oath. Instead, the signer solemnly declares that the information provided is true.
The Notary’s Role
When notarizing an affidavit or declaration, the Notary Public will:
Verify the identity of the signer using valid government-issued identification.
Ensure the signer understands the document.
Administer an oath or affirmation when required.
Witness the signature.
Complete the notarial certificate and apply the official seal or stamp.
Providing false information in an affidavit or declaration may carry serious legal consequences, which is why notarization adds an important layer of credibility and accountability.
2. Witnessing Signatures
Witnessing a signature is one of the most common notarial services.
In this process, the Notary Public verifies the identity of the person signing the document and confirms that the signature was made voluntarily.
When Is Signature Witnessing Required?
Signature witnessing may be required for:
Consent letters for children traveling abroad
Property documents
Business agreements
Authorization letters
Statutory forms
Personal legal documents
The Notary’s Role
For a signature witnessing notarization, the Notary Public will:
Confirm the identity of the signer.
Ensure the signer is signing willingly and without pressure.
Witness the document being signed.
Complete the notarial certificate.
Affix the official notary seal or stamp.
It is important to note that the Notary Public is not verifying the accuracy of the document’s contents. The Notary is only confirming the identity of the signer and witnessing the execution of the document.
Why Signature Witnessing Matters
A properly witnessed signature helps prevent fraud, identity theft, and disputes regarding who signed the document and whether the signature was made voluntarily.
3. Certified True Copies
A Certified True Copy is a notarized certification that a photocopy is a true and accurate reproduction of an original document.
What Documents Can Be Certified?
Examples may include:
Passports
Driver’s licences
Educational certificates
Degrees and diplomas
Utility bills
Employment records
Identification documents
Corporate documents
The Certification Process
To certify a true copy, the Notary Public will:
Examine the original document.
Compare the original document with the photocopy.
Confirm that the copy is complete and identical to the original.
Prepare a certification statement.
Apply the official seal or stamp.
Common Uses for Certified True Copies
Certified copies are often requested for:
Immigration applications
Educational admissions
Professional licensing
Employment verification
International document submissions
By using certified true copies, individuals can retain their original documents while providing an officially certified copy to the requesting organization.
Why Choose GPS Mobile Notary?
At GPS Mobile Notary, we understand that your time is valuable. Our mobile notary service brings professional notarization directly to your home, office, hospital, retirement residence, or other convenient location.
We provide:
Mobile notarization services
Same-day appointments when available
Evening and weekend appointments
Professional and confidential service
Fast and reliable document processing
Whether you need an affidavit, signature witnessing, or a certified true copy, GPS Mobile Notary is committed to making the notarization process simple, convenient, and stress-free.
Contact GPS Mobile Notary Today
If you require professional notarization services, contact GPS Mobile Notary to schedule your appointment. We are dedicated to providing accurate, efficient, and dependable notary services when and where you need them.
Your trusted mobile notary partner for affidavits, declarations, signature witnessing, and certified true copies.