19 May How to Notarize a Document in Florida
Often times when undergoing the process of a legal family matter such as a divorce, adoption, or custody, to name a few, you may need to sign documents before a Notary Public in Miami, Florida. The purpose of having a document notarized is to provide a third-party witness to the signature on the documents and to provide proof that the persons named in the document signed under their own will. However, a notarized document does not prove that the parties who signed understood the content of the document.
What Can a Notary Public Do?
Notarizing documents for any family law matter in Miami, Florida can be an easy process so long as you know how to do it! In many legal matters, certain documents and transactions will require a notary seal to certify a signature. Before pursuing notary services you should know that a Florida notary can:
- Perform a marriage ceremony in the State of Florida for all individuals (including any family members) with a valid Florida marriage license.
- Charge up to $10.00 per notarial signature on a document; charge up to $20.00 for performing a marriage ceremony.
- Act as a notary anywhere in the State of Florida.
- Notarize foreign documents as long as the notary is confident that the signer can read and understand the document that is being signed.
- Supervise the making of a photocopy from an original document and attest to the trueness of that copy, provided the document is not a vital or public record (such as birth certificates & marriage licenses).
- Be both witness and notary for the same document.
- Affix the optional embossed seal (for decorative purposes only) in conjunction with the required Florida rubber stamp seal. The rubber stamp seal must be affixed in photographically reproducible black ink, however, to be legal by state law.
What Do I Need to Bring?
In order to have the document notarized, you should bring with you a copy of a state-issued form of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. Depending upon the type of document, you may also need a second person to serve as a witness.
Where Can I Obtain a Certified Copy of a “Vital Record” in Florida?
If the document is a Florida vital record, a certified copy can be requested from:
Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics
Vital Records Section
217 Pearl Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Where Can I Find a Notary in Miami, FL?
There are various licensed professionals that provide notary public services to make your legal process easier. Aside from your local bank, here are a few other locations in Miami that provide notary services:
The UPS Store located on SW 8th Street in the heart of Brickell (Miami, FL)
Miami Notary, LLC Located on NE 24th Street but also provides mobile notary services