Notarizing Business Representatives: What You Need to Know
Questions often arise about whether multiple individuals can designate a representative to act on their behalf for a business transaction. While scenarios can vary, one important point remains the same: a notary public’s role is not to draft or interpret the legal structure of such documents. Instead, the notary’s responsibility is to verify the identity of the person appearing before them and to notarize that individual’s signature on a properly prepared document.
If a document contains a notarial certificate that clearly identifies an individual as the representative of a business or group, a commissioned notary can proceed with the notarization. The notary will:
Confirm the identity of the named individual through satisfactory evidence (such as government-issued identification).
Ensure the notarial certificate states the representative capacity clearly.
Witness the signing and complete the notarial act.
It is important to note that a notary public cannot provide legal advice or determine whether the representative relationship is valid. The document must already be drafted and prepared with the appropriate language before the notarization takes place.
When Legal Questions Come Up
Situations like these often raise legal questions that go beyond the role of a notary. As a business owner, you may not want to dig down deep into your purse or wallet to pay steep hourly attorney fees just to get clarity on one or two questions. That’s why The Signature Pros offers affordable Legal Support Plans. For a nominal monthly fee, you gain access to licensed attorneys who can answer questions like these and guide you through the legal side of your business without the high costs.
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Why This Matters
This distinction protects both the parties involved and the integrity of the transaction. The notary’s function is limited to verifying identity and witnessing signatures, not advising on legal sufficiency or the legality of representative designations.
If you need business documents notarized, The Signature Pros are here to help. Appointments can be booked online, and the individual whose signature will be notarized should be noted in the booking form. Someone else may schedule the appointment, but the signer must appear before the notary with proper identification at the time of the notarization.
