What is notarization?

Understanding the Purpose and Power of a Notarized Document in Charleston, SC

Notarization is a formal legal process that provides fraud protection, identity verification, and trustworthiness for important documents. When a notary public performs a notarization, they act as an impartial official who confirms the identity of the signer, ensures the signer is acting willingly and knowingly, and adds a notarial certificate and seal that gives the document credibility.

At Motary Notary Fingerprinting & More in Charleston, South Carolina, we provide expert notarization alongside related services (notary, apostille, fingerprinting, and background checks) that protect your legal interests and simplify complex requirements.

Why Notarization Matters

Notarization is not just a signature and a stamp. It’s a fraud-deterrent system designed to protect all parties in a transaction by ensuring:

• The signer is accurately identified

• The signer is voluntarily signing

• The signer understands the document they are executing

This process enhances trust and lowers the risk of forged or unauthorized signatures. Without proper notarization, documents can be challenged, rejected, or deemed invalid in legal or administrative settings.

The Core Steps of the Notarization Process

Understanding the steps in a notarization can help you prepare and avoid costly mistakes:

1. Identity Verification

A notary public reviews a government-issued photo ID to confirm that the signer is who they claim to be.

2. Willingness and Awareness

We make sure the signer is acting without pressure or duress and understands the document they are signing. Experian

3. Journal Entry and Notarial Certificate

The Notary records the transaction in an official journal (a best practice and requirement in many states) and completes a notarial certificate that explains the type of authentication performed. National Notary Association notary

These three steps together give your notarized document legitimacy and peace of mind.

Common Types of Notarizations

Not all notarizations are the same. Here are the most frequent types you may encounter:

Acknowledgments

Used for documents involving property transfers, powers of attorney, trusts, etc., where the signer acknowledges that the signature is their own and free. National Notary Association

Jurats

Used when a signer must swear or affirm the truth of the information in the document—for example, affidavits. National Notary Association

Certified Copies

In jurisdictions where allowed, notaries can certify that a copy of an original document is true and complete.

What Notarization Does — and Does Not — Do

✔ What It Does

• Verifies identity

• Confirms voluntary execution

• Deterrence against forgery

• Adds legal weight to signatures

  

❌ What It Does Not Do

• Notarization does not validate the content of the document itself

• It does not guarantee legal enforceability of the underlying transaction

This distinction is crucial—notarization strengthens the form and authenticity of the signing, not the substance of the contents.

When You Need a Notary

People seek notarization for many important documents, including:

• Powers of attorney

• Deeds and property documents

• Trusts and estate planning documents

• Affidavits and sworn statements

• Business and corporate agreements

Preparing ahead and bringing valid government ID will help your appointment go smoothly.

Local Expertise in Charleston, SC

At Motary Notary Fingerprinting & More, we specialize in professional notarizations tailored to the legal and business needs of our Charleston community. Whether you require notary services, apostille service, fingerprinting, or background checks, our team ensures:

• Diligent verification

• Precise handling of legal requirements

• Clear explanations and guidance for every document

• Appointments that respect your time

Your peace of mind matters—and so does getting it right the first time.

Ready to Get Your Document Notarized?

Don’t leave important legal matters to chance. Call us today or book an appointment to handle your notary, apostille, fingerprinting, or background check services with confidence and professionalism.

📞 Phone: 1-888-818-8141
📍 Serving Charleston, SC and surrounding areas