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What to Know Before Your Notary Appointment
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Do Not Sign in Advance – Documents requiring notarization must be signed in the presence of the Notary Public.
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Legal Guidance – If you have questions about how to complete your document, please consult the individual or entity that drafted or requested it. A Notary Public is not authorized to provide legal advice or assist with document preparation.
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Signer Requirements – All signers must personally appear before the Notary, be mentally competent, and present a valid, acceptable form of identification at the time of notarization. ***see below for acceptable forms***
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Copy Certification – Original documents must be presented for copy certification. Please note that vital records (such as birth, death, and marriage certificates) cannot be notarized
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Notary Certificate Selection – Please determine which Notary Certificate your document requires before your appointment. A Notary Public cannot advise on which certificate to use.
All identification must be original, current or issued within the last five years, and must include the following:
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Photograph
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Physical description
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Signature
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Unique serial number
Identification requirements are mandated by the Georgia Secretary of State. The following forms of identification are acceptable for notarization:
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State-Issued Driver’s License
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U.S. Passport
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U.S. Military ID Card
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State-Issued Identification Card
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U.S. Passport
The name you sign on the document must match or be shorter than the name on your identification.
Example of Acceptable ID Usage:
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Document Signature: John Smith (✅ Shorter than)
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ID Name: John Adam Smith
⚠️ Important: An ID in a maiden name accompanied by a marriage license as proof of a name change is not acceptable.