Did you know?
When handling general mobile notary work, I receive calls for documents I many times do not recognize. Recently, I received a call to notarize an FS-240 form. I wasn't familiar with this form so I looked it up and saw it is a vital record, just like birth records here in the US. It is for US citizens who have children born outside of the US. However, to get a copy of it, a notarized statement with specific information is required and then mailed to the Dept. of State, Passport Division.
Just like a US birth certificate, only the agency where it is issued can certify the copy. And just like a birth certificate request, we need to discern what the client really needs or we may refuse a legal request. The document to obtain the record is notarized and any notary can handle that request. What we cannot do is certify a copy of one or have them write a statement about it and attach a certificate.
Here is my tip. Whenever I am asked about documents I have never handled, the first thing I do is "google" them to see what they look like, including if there is a place for signature and notarial wording. Then I am more comfortable accepting the request and know for future reference what it is about.
At your Service,
Laura
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Hospital Notarization Guide
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One-on-One Document & Notary Certificate Training for YOUR State with Laura Biewer
Boost Your Confidence & Become The Notary Expert in Your Community
When what you really want is a step-by-step document walk-through on what a notary is responsible for per document, for YOUR state, this is the training is for you. Let Laura guide you through the blank lines, the unusual verbiage, and what it takes to "think through" the completion of a document.
Laura Biewer
Mentor / Coach
Based in Modesto CA, Laura has over 20 yrs experience as a mobile notary and Certified Loan signing agent. She has developed expertise in notary laws and regulations as a CA mandated training instructor. In addition, Laura is able to assist notaries in all 50 states with notary, marketing, networking and branding questions.
