Let's be honest: notaries get a bad rap sometimes. People either think we're just glorified stamp collectors or assume we have magical legal powers that can fix any document problem. The truth? We're somewhere in between, and there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about what we actually do.
If you've ever needed a document notarized (or think you might), you've probably heard some of these myths. Today, we're setting the record straight on five of the most common ones. Trust us, understanding what notaries really do will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road.
Myth #1: "Notaries Can Give Me Legal Advice"
This one comes up constantly. You walk into a notary's office with a complicated power of attorney document, and you expect them to explain exactly what each clause means and whether you should sign it.
The Reality: Unless your notary is also a licensed attorney, they can't give you legal advice. Period.
Here's what actually happens: A notary's job is to verify your identity, make sure you understand you're signing a legal document, and confirm you're doing it willingly. That's it. We're not lawyers, and we can't interpret legal language for you or advise whether a document is in your best interest.
Think of it this way: a notary is like a referee in a sports game. They make sure everyone follows the rules of the signing process, but they don't coach you on strategy or tell you which plays to run.
What to do instead: If you need legal advice about a document, consult with a qualified attorney before getting it notarized. The notary can then do their job of witnessing your signature once you've made your decision.
For authoritative guidance on notary roles and limitations, see the National Association of Secretaries of State's Notary Public Resources and the Uniform Law Commission's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA).
Myth #2: "If It's Notarized, It Must Be Legal and True"
This is probably the most dangerous myth out there. People see that official-looking notary seal and assume it's like a legal stamp of approval that makes everything in the document automatically valid and truthful.
The Reality: A notary seal doesn't verify the contents of your document: it only verifies the signing process.
Let's say you're selling your car to someone, and you both sign a bill of sale that says the car has 50,000 miles when it really has 150,000 miles. Getting that document notarized doesn't make the false mileage statement legal or true. The notary isn't fact-checking your odometer reading; they're just confirming that you both showed up with proper ID and signed the document willingly.
The notarization process confirms three things:
- The signers properly identified themselves
- They appeared to understand what they were signing
- They signed voluntarily, without coercion
That's it. Everything else: the accuracy of the information, the legality of the transaction, whether the document will hold up in court: that's all on you.
What this means for you: Make sure your documents are accurate and legal before you get them notarized. The notary seal won't fix problems with the content.
Myth #3: "My Notary Friend Can Notarize My Family Documents"
It seems convenient, right? Your cousin just became a notary, so now they can handle all your family's document needs. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.
The Reality: Notaries can't notarize documents for immediate family members or themselves.
This rule exists to prevent conflicts of interest. Imagine your sister is notarizing your will, and there's a dispute later about whether you were under pressure to sign it. Having a family member as the witness creates obvious questions about impartiality.
Most states prohibit notaries from notarizing documents for:
- Spouses
- Children, parents, and siblings
- Anyone with a financial interest in the document
- Themselves (obviously)
Some states are stricter than others, but the general rule is: if the notary has any personal stake in the outcome of the document, they shouldn't be the one notarizing it.
What to do instead: Find an independent notary who doesn't know you personally. Many banks, UPS stores, and mobile notary services offer this. At Apollo Notary Services, we can come to you, making it just as convenient as using a family member: but without the ethical issues.
Myth #4: "Being a Notary Is Easy: Anyone Can Do It"
Some people think becoming a notary is like getting a driver's license: fill out some paperwork, pay a fee, and you're good to go. Then they assume the actual job is just mindlessly stamping documents.
The Reality: Becoming a notary requires training, testing, and ongoing education. The job itself requires attention to detail and knowledge of complex rules.
Every state has different requirements, but most involve:
- Background checks
- Training courses
- Passing a written exam
- Understanding state-specific laws
- Purchasing proper supplies (seal, journal, bond)
- Regular renewal and continuing education
Once you're commissioned, the job requires constant vigilance. Notaries need to know:
- Different types of notarial acts (acknowledgments vs. jurats vs. oaths)
- Proper identification requirements
- How to handle various document types
- When to refuse a notarization
- Record-keeping requirements
- Liability and insurance considerations
A single mistake can lead to personal liability, lawsuits, or losing your commission. It's more like being a specialized professional than a casual side job.
Why this matters to you: When you work with a professional notary service, you're getting someone who takes the responsibility seriously and stays up-to-date on all the requirements. It's worth paying for that expertise rather than risking problems with an inexperienced notary.
Myth #5: "Notaries Can Refuse Service If They Don't Like My Document"
Sometimes people worry that a notary might refuse to help them if the document involves something controversial or if the notary doesn't personally agree with what's being signed.
The Reality: Notaries must provide service without discrimination, as long as the request is legal and proper.
Notaries can't refuse service based on:
- Your race, religion, or nationality
- Your lifestyle or personal choices
- Whether they agree with the document's purpose
- Political opinions
- Personal feelings about you or the transaction
However, notaries should refuse service if:
- You can't properly identify yourself
- You appear to be under duress or coercion
- The document is incomplete or has blank spaces to be filled later
- You seem confused about what you're signing
- The notarization would be illegal
For example, a notary might personally disapprove of someone getting divorced, but they still have to notarize the divorce papers if everything is in order. On the other hand, if someone comes in asking to notarize a document with their spouse's forged signature, that's when the notary should refuse.
What this means for you: As long as your request is legitimate and you follow proper procedures, you shouldn't face discrimination from professional notary services.
Why These Myths Matter
Understanding what notaries actually do helps you use notary services more effectively. You'll know when you need legal advice (before notarization), you won't assume the notary seal solves all your document problems, and you'll work with qualified, impartial professionals.
It also helps you spot red flags. If a notary offers legal advice, agrees to notarize documents for their family, or shows bias in their service, those are warning signs that they're not following proper procedures.
Getting It Right
At Apollo Notary Services, we focus on doing notarizations the right way: professionally, impartially, and according to all state requirements. We're not lawyers, but we know our role as notaries inside and out. We can come to your home or office, explain the notarization process clearly, and make sure everything is handled properly.
Whether you need a single document notarized or regular notary services for your business, we're here to provide reliable, professional service without the confusion or complications that come from these common myths.
Ready to get your documents notarized correctly? Visit our services page to see how we can help, or check out our pricing to get started today.