About the signer
What identification is needed?
"What identification is needed for a Notary Public to notarize a signature?"
Two forms of ID are required, unless I know the signer personally. Please note that they must be current, not expired. Only original documents, not photocopies or scanned images, are acceptable in Connecticut.
Primary ID must be photo identification issued by a federal or state government. Commonly-used primary ID include a driver's license, passport, "green card", state-issued non-driver's ID, pistol permit, and military ID. Photo ID must also contain a written signature. Passports from other countries are acceptable ID in Connecticut.
Secondary ID must contain a written signature, but does not need a photo. Examples of commonly-used secondary ID include signed credit cards or debit cards and work IDs. (I do not want to know any credit card or debit card numbers!)
There are more detailed answers under What kind of identification do I need? on this Page.
If you have questions, please call me at 860-543-2334.
"My grandmother is in the hospital and has no identification. Can you notarize a Living Will for her?"
Yes I can, if you and I can find somebody who knows both your grandmother and me personally and is willing to swear that her name is the same as that on the Living Will.
The key to notarizing a document for someone without the kinds of identification listed is "... an individual who is 'personally known' to the Notary. Like all witnesses, the credible-witness should be honest, competent and ideally, without interest in the transaction." (Connecticut Notary Public Manual, Section 4.5, "Credible Witness Acknowledgement")
What is the minimum age to have a signature notarized?
"How old does somebody have to be to get their signature notarized?"
18 years old or older. Usually the difficulties for anyone under 18 are getting legally-acceptable ID and being legally responsible under Connecticut law.
Please contact an attorney to have the signature of anyone under age 18 notarized.
Location
"Where will you go notarize? Will you go to the hospital to notarize a Power of Attorney?"
I will go anywhere in Connecticut that is safe and is convenient for the signer. I meet people in their offices, homes, coffee shops, or other convenient places. Connecticut Notaries Public are authorized to notarize anywhere in Connecticut. The fees for travel set by the State of Connecticut are listed on this Page.
If you think it would be too expensive for me to travel to where the signer is, I will help you find a Notary Public who is closer. Please call me at 860-543-2334.
"I'm working temporarily in Connecticut, I live in Massachusetts, and I've got vacation property in Wyoming. If you notarize my form in Connecticut, will your notarization be valid in my home state and in the state where my property is?"
Yes! The notarization will be honored throughout the United States. Any Notary Public in the United States can notarize the signature(s) on a document with a Notarial Certificate. The notarization will be honored throughout the United States.
Most countries also accept most other country's notarizations. When in doubt, check with the government where you expect your document to be used.
"I live in Rhode Island and work in Connecticut. Can you notarize for me?"
Yes! As long as we meet in Connecticut, I can notarize your signature on your document. I cannot notarize any document when I am physically outside the borders of Connecticut.
If you need help finding a Notary Public near you, I will do my best to help you find a local Notary. Please call me at 860-543-2334.
Mental competence
"Does the signer have to be wide awake and alert?"
Yes. Every signer must be free from the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
Prescription drugs can impair people's ability to think clearly or express themselves well. Please schedule your Notary Public appointment accordingly.
People in hospitals or convalescent hospitals sometimes are not oriented in time and place (they don't know what year it is or where they are), do not understand the consequences of signing, or are otherwise confused. I am neither a medical professional nor a mental health expert. I must rely on my layman's common sense when determining whether a person appears competent and understands the consequences of signing. The signer and I will have a brief chat and I will decide based on that conversation whether I believe the potential signer's signature can be notarized at that time.
There is absolutely no appeal if I believe, in my layman's opinion, that a potential signer is not mentally competent. I may, however, give suggestions about how the situation might be resolved.