The type of act required is dictated by the notarial wording present on your document. If notarial wording is not present, the customer will have to make the decision; notaries cannot make that decision as that would be considered legal advice. You may also call the originator of the document to verify the proper act for your document(s). Below is a brief description of the different acts:

Acknowledgments:

A notary public who takes an acknowledgment of a record shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, all of the following:

1. The individual appearing before the notary public and making the acknowledgment has the identity claimed.

2. The signature on the record is the signature of the individual.

Administering oaths and affirmations:

A notary public who administers an oath or affirmation shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, that the individual appearing before the notary public and making the oath or affirmation has the identity claimed.

Verifications on oath or affirmation:

A notary public who takes a verification of a statement on oath or affirmation shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, all of the following:

1. The individual appearing before the notary public and making the verification has the identity claimed.

2. The signature on the statement verified is the signature of the individual.

Witnessing or attesting signatures:

A notary public who witnesses or attests to a signature shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, all of the following:

1. The individual appearing before the notary public and signing the record has the identity claimed.

2. The signature on the record is the signature of the individual.

Certified Copies:

A notary public who certifies or attests a copy of a record or an item which was copied shall determine that the copy is a complete and accurate transcription or reproduction of the record or item.

Legal Disclaimer:

I am not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matter or accept fees for legal advice.