Can I Notarize This? Myths About What a Notary Can (and Can’t) Do
Just because a document needs a notary doesn’t mean a notary can or should notarize it.
At Five Star Notary Service, we’ve seen a lot of confusion over what a notary public is legally allowed to do. Whether it’s someone asking us to notarize a blank form, or requesting legal advice about a contract we have heard it all.
To help you stay informed (and avoid costly mistakes), here are some of the most common myths about notarization and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: “Notaries Can Give Legal Advice”
🚫 False.
A Florida notary is not an attorney and cannot legally explain, interpret, or advise you about any document, even if it seems simple. Doing so is called unauthorized practice of law, and it's illegal.
What we can do:
Tell you where to sign (if the document makes that clear)
Confirm your identity
Witness your signature and apply a notary seal
Need help understanding your document? You should consult an attorney before notarization.
Myth #2: “A Notary Can Notarize an Unsigned Document”
🚫 Absolutely not.
A notary must witness the signature in real time unless it’s a document type that allows for acknowledgment without signing in front of the notary (and even then, proper ID and intent must be verified).
Never sign your document in advance. Wait until the notary is present (in person or virtually via RON).
Myth #3: “I Don’t Need ID if the Notary Knows Me”
🚫 Wrong again.
Even if we have met you before, notaries are required by Florida law to confirm your identity using:
A valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport), or
Two credible witnesses who know you and are not named in the document
Knowing the notary is not a substitute for proper identification.
Myth #4: “A Notary Can Help Me Fill Out My Legal Documents”
🚫 Not unless they’re also a licensed attorney or authorized document preparer.
Notaries can’t draft documents, fill in legal blanks for you, or advise which form to use. However, at Five Star Notary Service, we do offer non-lawyer document preparation services using trusted legal templates, with complete transparency and disclaimers.
We'll guide the process, but we won't provide legal advice.
Myth #5: “If It’s Notarized, It’s Automatically Legal”
🚫 Not always.
A notary’s seal confirms that:
The signer appeared willingly and in person (or virtually)
The signer provided a valid ID
The document was signed in the notary’s presence (or properly acknowledged)
It does not mean the content of the document is legally sound, truthful, or enforceable.
What a Notary Can Do at Five Star Notary Service
Notarize documents in person or via Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Help you prepare documents (with a clear non-lawyer disclaimer)
Serve families, professionals, seniors, and international clients
Offer mobile appointments, same-day service, and after-hours availability
Still Not Sure If We Can Notarize Something?
No problem, ask us! We're happy to point you in the right direction.
📞 Call/Text: 561-810-1228
📧 Email: info@fivestarnotaryservice.com
🌐 Learn More: www.fivestarnotaryservice.com
🕒 Schedule Your Appointment Now
