If you`re dealing with a legal document, such as a contract, you may be wondering if you need to get it notarized. Notarization is the process of having a certified notary public witness you signing the document and then signing it themselves. This is done to prevent fraud and ensure the authenticity of the document.
But do you actually need to get your contract notarized? The answer is: it depends.
Some contracts require notarization by law, such as real estate transactions, wills, and power of attorney agreements. In these cases, notarization is necessary to make the document legally binding. If you fail to get these types of contracts notarized, they may not hold up in court.
On the other hand, many contracts don`t require notarization. For example, a contract between two parties for a service or product doesn`t necessarily need to be notarized. However, it`s still a good idea to have a signed and dated contract in case any issues arise in the future.
So, how do you know if your contract needs to be notarized? Check your local laws or consult with a legal professional to determine the requirements. In some cases, the other party may request notarization to protect their interests, even if it`s not legally required.
If you do need to get your contract notarized, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you`ll need to find a certified notary public. This can be done at a bank, courthouse, or other government agency. Notary services typically charge a fee for their services.
Additionally, you`ll need to bring a valid form of identification with you when you sign the document in front of the notary. This can be a driver`s license, passport, or other government-issued identification.
In summary, notarization is only required for certain types of legal documents, such as real estate transactions, wills, and power of attorney agreements. For other contracts, notarization may be requested by the other party or simply a good idea for added protection. Consult with a legal professional or check local laws to determine if notarization is necessary.