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An affiant and a notary are not the same thing.

An affiant is the person who signs an affidavit or statement.

The notary (often called "notary public") is an official who witnesses the affiant's signature, often by affixing a seal of the state in which the notary is licensed. Note that a notary may not notarize his/her own signature. Therefore, even if an affiant (person who is signing a statement), a separate person who is licensed as a notary must witness and stamp the first affiant's signature.

What the notary is notarizing is the person's signature--not the validity of any statement.

Is this now clear as mud?

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How do you address a notary?

A notary public is a public officer, and should be addressed as "Mr. Smith" or "Ms. Smith" when speaking to the notary. When writing a letter or sending an invitation to a notary, it would be proper to address the notary as: John Smith Notary Public In New Hampshire, a notary should be addressed as: John Smith, Esq. Notary Public as they are addressed as such by the Governor. Because notaries are appointed, and not elected, they are not usually styled "The Honorable" - although some states have traditionally addressed their appointed officials as such.


Is a witness necessary to make a affidavit legal?

Yes, a witness is typically required for an affidavit to be considered legal. The witness must observe the signing of the affidavit by the affiant and sign the document themselves to attest to the proper execution of the affidavit.


Can a notary notarize a document for family member in Georgia?

A notary does not notarize a document. A notary notarizes a signature. The notary is not prohibited from notarizing a family member's signature.


Who has a notary?

A notary public is a person authorized by the government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. Generally, anyone who meets the state's requirements can become a notary public.


In New York State who can notarize signatures of the witnesses to a will?

In New York State, a notary public can notarize the signatures of witnesses to a will, as long as the notary is not one of the witnesses and does not stand to benefit from the will. It is important for the notary to ensure that the witnesses acknowledge their signatures in the notary's presence.

Related Questions

Who can sign in affidavit?

An affidavit can typically be signed by the individual making the statement, known as the affiant. The affiant must sign the document in the presence of a notary public or another authorized official who can administer oaths.


Who signs the signed and sworn before you line on the notary?

The "signed and sworn before you" line on a notary certificate is typically signed by the person who is being notarized, often referred to as the signer or the affiant. This individual acknowledges their identity and the truthfulness of the document in the presence of the notary public. The notary then completes the certificate by signing and applying their seal, confirming that the notarization took place.


True or False Notary Publics and affiants are officers of the Court?

In most states, notaries public are officers of the state, but not officers of the Court, because notaries are appointed by a state power (i.e. a governor or secretary of state), as opposed to a court power (i.e. a judge).The term "Affiant" merely refers to a person who has signed an affidavit. An affiant may be an officer of the court, but signing an affidavit/being an affiant does not make you an officer of the court.


Is a warranty deeds notary any different from a regular notary public?

There is no such thing as a "warranty deeds notary". A notary public in the U.S. can notarize any document.


What are the main parts of an affidavit?

An affidavit typically consists of a title, an introductory statement identifying the affiant (the person making the affidavit), and a series of numbered paragraphs that detail the facts being attested to, laid out in a clear and concise manner. It usually concludes with a statement affirming the truth of the contents, followed by the affiant's signature, date, and, in many cases, a notary public’s seal or signature to attest to the authenticity of the document.


If a deed is notarized in one state and the property is in another state what notary law applies?

A Notary's powers are granted by the State in which they reside but a Notary's duties are essentially the same in all states. As long as a Notary certifies a signature as valid it is acceptble in all jurisdictions


What is the right of affiant?

To tell the truth inder oath.


On a claim form is a witnessed signature the same as a notarized signature?

No, it is not the same. A signature that is merely witnessed by some other person is referred to as an "attested" signature. A notarized signature is where the signature is witnessed by a notary public with the notary affixing the appropriate stamp and seal on the document that was signed.If the claim form simply has another line for a witness to sign, it does not have to be by a notary unless the claim form specifically states that it must be by a notary.


Is a Justice of the Peace a public official?

No, a Justice of the Peace is not the same as a Notary Public (not a "public notary"). Look each office up on Wikipedia for a further explanation of the difference.


Can a family member notarize for another family member?

It is okay to do it in most circumstances, but it is questionable if the document benefits the notary. Such as notarizing a quit claim deed to the benefit of the notary would not be a good thing.


When signing divorce papers must both parties be present before the notary public?

Normally, both parties do not need to be present before the notary public at the same time.


Can the same Person be both the notary and a witness?

Yes, sometimes. It depends on state law.