Free MA Notary Roles and Responsibilities Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of a notary public in Massachusetts?
To witness the signing of documents and verify the signer's identity is the primary role of a notary public. Notaries ensure that documents are signed willingly and by the correct individual, but they do not provide legal advice or mediate disputes.
What should a notary do if they realize they have made an error in a notarization after the fact?
Inform the signer and create a new document is the appropriate action. If an error is discovered, the notary should inform the signer and, if necessary, execute a new notarization on a corrected document. Notaries should avoid altering completed documents directly.
Which document must a Massachusetts notary public use to record each notarization performed?
A notary journal is required for Massachusetts notaries to document their notarial acts. This journal includes details such as the date of the notarization, the type of document, and the signer's information.
Which type of notarial act involves the notary administering an oath or affirmation to a signer?
Jurat involves administering an oath or affirmation to a signer, confirming that the statements in the document are true. An acknowledgment, on the other hand, involves confirming the signer’s identity and their intention to sign the document.
When performing a notarial act, what is required for the notary to verify the identity of the signer?
The signer must present a valid form of identification is required for verifying identity. Acceptable forms of ID include a state-issued driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID. Verbal confirmation or personal knowledge alone is not sufficient.