An acknowledgement is a formal declaration made before a notary public by the signer stating that they both understand the contents of the document before them, and are signing the document voluntarily.

Common Documents: Deeds, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Loans

Verification on oath or affirmation means a declaration made by an individual on oath or affirmation before a notary public that a statement in a record is true or that a remotely located individual has the identity claimed.

Common Documents: Legal documents, Sworn Statements, Affidavits, Applications to the government

Witnessing a signature is when a notary public observes someone physically sign a document, after verifying the individual has the identity claimed, and then notarizes the document to confirm that the signature was made in their presence.

This act can apply to every document that requires a signature

*If you are unsure what notarial act you should be requesting, this is most likely the correct one to select

A notary public who certifies or attests a copy of a record that was copied is confirming that a copy of a document is a true, exact, and complete reproduction of the original.

*If the copy is not created yet, the notary public shall supervise the copying of the record

**If the copy is already created, the notary shall examine both the original and copy to ensure it is a full, true, and accurate reproduction of the original record

Certifying a tangible copy of an electronic record is when a notary public certifies that a paper (tangible) record is a true and accurate copy of an electronic record. To do this, the notary public will

1. Determine that the electronic record is in a tamper-evident format; and

2. Then, they will personally print or supervise the printing of the electronic record onto paper or other tangible medium.

A notarial act usually performed in connection with dishonored negotiable instruments.

Common Instruments: Bounced Checks, promissory notes, Bills of Exchange

*Very uncommon