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July 12, 2016

Subscribing Witnesses Explained

There are TWO types of subscribing witnesses.

1. The person who appears before a Notary on behalf of someone being notarized with a Proof of Execution is called a subscribing witness or executing witness. The actual signer cannot appear before a Notary Public, so a witness is used to sign on the principal’s behalf and swear. The basic idea is that the subscribing witness witnessed the principal sign the document.

2. A person who witnesses a disabled person who is signing by X in a document is also called a subscribing witness.

As a Notary Public, you may come into a situation where the signer is not able to sign. Most Notaries are not trained in how to handle such situations. If you do hospital notarizations you will deal with this situation a lot. Some signers cannot move their arms properly. Others cannot sign their name. If you can get them to sign an X in your journal and an X in the signature section of the document with two subscribing witnesses watching. You are in luck.

You need to have the subscribing witnesses sign your journal and input their drivers license info as well. Additionally, the subscribing witnesses sign the first and last name of the signer on the document which sounds like forgery, but many states allow this. Check your state notary handbook to see if this procedure is legal in your state.

Signature by X from A to Z
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=203

Subscribing Witness Glossary Definition
http://www.123notary.com/glossary/?subscribing-witness

What is Signature by X or Signature by Mark
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2278

Types of witnesses in the notary profession
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=5664

Comments (2)

April 20, 2013

Types of witnesses in the notary profession

Filed under: Witnessing — Tags: credible witness, Executing Witness, Notary, Notary Profession, One Credible Witness, Subscribing Witness, Two credible witnesses, witness, Witness to a Will, Witnesses, Witnessing Signatures on Wills — admin @ 10:25 pm

Types of Witnesses in the Notary Profession

All the names of witnesses in the notary profession can be confusing if you don’t know your terminology. I am going to write a brief tutorial of various types of witnesses.

Witness
Anyone who witnesses a signature can be a witness. In general you should be 18 years of age or older to serve as a witness. A witness could engage in the act of witnessing a signature.

Credible Witness
Most states allow the use of Credible Witnesses to identify a signer. Some states will allow two Credible Witnesses who know the signer, but do NOT know the notary. Some states will allow one Credible Witness who knows the signer as well as the notary. Some states will allow one or two Credible Witnesses. Consult your state’s notary handbook for details.

Credible Identifying Witness
A more legal or technical term for a Credible Witness

Executing Witness
Also known as a Subscribing Witness that would be used in a Proof of Execution signing. Don’t make a mistake on this type of notarization or the joke is that you will be executed!

Subscribing Witness
A witness who watches someone else sign their name. The word “sign” can sometimes be synonomous with the word “subscribe”.

Subscribing Witness for a Signature by X signing
A Subscribing Witness is also the term for someone who watches and assists in a Signature by Mark or Signature by X signing.

Witness to a Jurat Signature
Notaries are required by law to witness signatures that correspond to Jurat notarizations. Signatures that are to be acknowledged on the other hand, do NOT need to be witnessed, and can be signed before (even years before) the signature is acknolwedged.

Witness to a Will
Being a witness to a Will is similar to any other type of witnessing, except for the fact that the witness might need to (or probably should) document the fact that they witnessed a will signing on the signature page of the Will. Wills are by definition, orten much more serious than any other type of document.

They are often more important even than Power of Attorney documents or Grant Deeds. Another reason why witnessing signatures on Wills is so critical is because the signer will probably be dead if and when the document is disputed. It is too late to drag someone into court to testify if they are deceased!

You might also like:

Compilation of posts about credible witnesses
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=20414

Can a notary witness a Will or notarize one?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1525

Credible Witnesses from A to Z
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=452

Identification requirements for being notarized
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4299

Comments (0)

June 30, 2012

Can a notary public act as a witness?

Filed under: Witnessing — Tags: Can a notary public act as a witness, notaries, Notary, Witnessing — admin @ 12:13 pm

Can a notary public act as a witness?

We already have a very thorough blog entry entitled:

Can a notary be a witness?

That contains all pertinent details regarding notary witness requirements and procedures. To sum it up, a notary can act as a witness in any state in their capacity as an individual. However, in Delaware, and Washington State, and perhaps a few other states, a notary can do witnessing as an official notary act, and charge an official fee set by the state for their services.

Is it better to hire a notary to be a witness?
Since notaries work exclusively with signers, signatures, documents, foms, certificates, etc., many people feel that notaries are better equipt to handle the (not so vigorous) responsibilities associated with being a witness. Additionally, notaries have been screened by their state and are more likely to be honest upstanding citizens — or at least that is what many of us like to think. The reality is that some notaries have no idea what they are doing, while others are very particular about witnessing, and documenting information in conjunction with witnessing.

Why would it matter who you picked as a witness?
If someone witnesses a document signing or a Will signing, it doesn’t matter much who they are provided they are at least 18 years of age. On the other hand, if the witness ever needs to be contacted after the fact, it is good if the witness has lived in the same place for a long time so you know where to reach them. If your witness works for the circus or lives in a caravan and moves around a lot, you might never see them again. Having a witness who is a notary might help if they provide some extra documentation for you. Additionally, a mobile notary supposedly knows how to show up at the appointed place at the appointed time and might be more reliable with logistics.

You might also like:

Types of witnesses in the Notary profession
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=5664

Credible Witnesses from A to Z
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=452

Comments (0)

April 26, 2012

Can a notary also witness documents being signed?

Filed under: Popular on Twitter 2012,Technical & Legal,Witnessing — Tags: Notary Act, Notary also witness, notary witness, Official Notary Act, Witness Notary — admin @ 11:44 am

Q. Can a notary also witness documents being signed?
A. Any individual over the age of 18 can be a witness to a document signing or Will signing.

Q. Can a notary charge for acting as a witness?
A. If acting as a witness is an official notary act in the state where the notary is commissioned or acting, then they can charge whatever their state’s maximum appointed fee is. In all other states where witnessing is not an official notary act, then the notary can charge whatever the client will agree to.

Q. Should I hire a notary to act as a witness?
A. You can if you like, but unless you need some special documentation done, that only a notary can perform, there is no real need to have a notary around.

Q. Can you recommend some more detailed reading materials about this topic?
A. Yes, please read: Can a notary be a witness?

Q. When is a Notary required to witness signatures?
A. Jurat Notarizations require the Notary to have the signer sign before them. A handful of states require the Notary to witness Acknowledged signatures as well.

Tweets:
(1) Any individual over 18 can witness documents being signed, including a Notary Public.
(2) Can a notary charge for acting as a witness? Yes, but your state might have a maximum charge.

You might also like:

Can a Notary act as a witness?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21359

Credible witnesses from A to Z
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=452

Fraud and Forgery related to the notary profession
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2294

Comments (2)

April 1, 2012

Do personal loans require a witness?

Filed under: Witnessing — Tags: Affidavit, Notary, witness, Witness Signings — admin @ 12:08 pm

Do personal loans require a witness?

Most personal loans are signed in the presence of a notary. Refinance loan signings are commonly refered to as witness signings. The notary is the witness in this case. Technically, the notary needs to witness the signings of Affidavits in the loan as a matter of notary law. Each loan is different, but there could be a Signature Affidavit, Occupancy Affidavit, and perhaps other Affidavits too.

What about a non-notary witness?
I have heard of personal loans or refinances requiring an outside witness, however, this only is required in particular states. Additionally, from time to time, if a signer doesn’t have their identification, a credible witness might be brought in.

You might also like:

Can a notary be a witness?

Can a notary be a witness to a will?

If you can’t find a witness to sign

Can a notary sign an out of state Quit Claim Deed?

Comments (0)

March 7, 2012

If you can’t find a witness to sign…

Filed under: Witnessing — Tags: A notary can be a witness, notaries, Notary, Willing to act as a witness — admin @ 3:21 am

If you can’t find a witness to sign a document…

Certain documents such as Wills generally require the signatures of witnesses. It is better if the witness knows the signer, however, sometimes, you just have to get a living breathing human being who is 18 years of age or older.

A notary can be a witness. Some states allow notaries to witness as an official Notary act. But, I have not heard of any state prohibiting a notary from acting as a witness in their capacity as an individual.

You can always try to grab a neighbor or a stranger who will be willing to act as a witness.

It is good to document the witness’s identification, printed name, phone number and address just in case. You might need to find that person after the fact, or prove that they really witnessed a real signature.

Sometimes, a notary might be instructed to notarize the signature of a witness on a Will. Although notaries are generally discouraged from notarizing the signatures of the main signer on a will, I have never heard of a notary being discouraged from notarizing the signature of a witness on a Will.

You might also like:

Can a Notary be a witness?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21359

Can a notary witness a will or notarize one?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1525

Where do credible witnesses sign the journal?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2508

Comments (1)

November 13, 2011

Can a notary witness a will or notarize one?

Can a notary act as a witness to a will — Can a notary notarize a will?

This is a very difficult topic to write about because notary law differs from state to state, and notary laws change over time as well in particular states. As a general rule, a notary public is discouraged from notarizing signatures on any will. If you are a New York Notary Public, you should probably avoid notarizing signatures on Wills under any circumstance since standards for what constitutes unauthorized practice of law in New York State for a New York Notary Public are more stringent than many other states. I heard that notarizing a Will as a New York Notary might be considered practicing law. However, in many states, a notary can notarize signatures on a will — even though it would be meaningless. Utah notaries are encouraged to notarize signatures on Wills if asked to since it is illegal to turn down any lawful request for a notarization. But, what about acting as a witness?

A notary can act as a witness, but in their capacity as an individual.
Unless your state prohibits a notary from being a witness ( have never heard of such a restriction, but it could exist), a notary can be a witness. A Delaware Notary Public can act as a witness as an official Delaware notary act and charge a prescribed maximum notary fee. However, in other states, a notary public may act as a witness, but in their capacity as an individual — or at least it would not be done as an official notary act recognized by their state. On the other hand, the notary acting as a witness can also indicate that they are a commissioned notary in their state which adds credibility. Notaries are screened before being commissioned in their respective state which makes them perhaps more credible than an average citizen (you would think).

Unauthorized practice of law — what does this mean?
I am not an attorney, and can not give any meaningful tutorials on what unauthorized practice of law constitutes. As a non-attorney notary, you should avoid giving any type of advice about what type of notarization to get, what type of legal paperwork to get, or how to fill it out. You should not draft legal documents in any state (documents to be used in court or submitted to a judge or used in conjunction with any court case). You might be able to assist in drafting non-legal documents in many states that are to be notarized such as simple affidavits, etc. A Florida notary public is strongly advised against helping drafting any type of documents since laws in their state are more strict about what type of advice a notary may give. In short, each state has a different idea of what “UPL” means. To play it safe, please read up on what your state notary laws are, and don’t draft legal documents, and don’t give advice on legal matters.

How many witnesses do you need for a Will?
It is standard in California, New York, Ohio, Arizona, and most other states for a Will to require two witness signatures. I read on findlaw.com that Vermont requires three witnesses to sign a Will. Witnesses must be 18 years of age or older in any state. A notary can be one of those witnesses.

How do you document witnesses?
It is not a crime for a notary public to notarize the signatures of witnesses on a will, although it is improper to notarize the signature of the principal. It is always helpful for the witnesses to print their name, give their address and a phone number as documentation. You never know when they might need to be contacted. By having witnesses’ signatures notarized, the notary has a record of the identification of the witnesses, and a prudent notary would also record their adress and maybe even their contact information.

What is it like to act as a witness to a will?
I have done this many times. It is a very boring, but traditional formal proceeding. It is common to have an attorney present, a few neighbors or friends, and perhaps even a bottle of wine (for after the signing). Everyone commonly gathers around the dining room table. Once everyone is there, then the attorney might give a quick speech, and then the principal signer signs, and then the witnesses sign in their appointed places. Afterwards, there is lots of chatting generally. Or, you might meet in the conference room of a law office and do it there (less fun). Many people consider a notary to be a better quality witness since they deal with signing documents as a profession and they take signatures more seriously, so I got many gigs as a witness. I took it very seriously and watched very intently every time a signer signed!

You might also like:

Information about Credible Witnesses

Can a notary be a witness?

New York Notary search results

Comments (5)

October 22, 2011

Can a notary be a witness?

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Q&A for notary witness questions

Many people come to our blog to learn more about witness rules and credible witness requirements in various states. We can not speak for all 50 states, but we will try to provide some good leads that can help you get your questions answered.
This blog entry will serve as a quick Q&A for some of the more common nationwide and state-specific notary witness questions.

How many credible witnesses are necessary?
Roughly 90% of states allow credible witnesses. Please read: http://www.123notary.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4047. This forum post to learn the credible witness requirements for your state. In California and Florida, if the notary knows the witness, then only one is necessary. However if the notary does not know the credible identifying witness, then two would be necessary. In either case, the credible witness must provide identification, and swear under oath to the identify of the signer. In many cases, the credible identifying witness only knows the signer by some informal name and knows them as a neighbor or co-worker on a very informal basis.

Can a notary act as a witness? Can a notary be a witness?
Unless your state law indicates otherwise, then yes, a notary can act as a witness. Please keep in mind that certain notary acts require the notary to witness the signature of the signer (jurats), while other notary acts do not (such as acknowledgements). A notary can act as a witness for a signature that they notarized, or for a signature that they did not notarize. It is an official notary act to be a witness in Delaware and Washington State as well. It is common for people to ask a notary to witness signatures, since notaries are trusted state officials who would be a good impartial and responsible witness.

How to notarize a document when you have credible witnesses?
The credible witness(es) must sign the notary journal (rules vary state by state), and must produce identification as well. The credible identifying witnesses must swear under oath as to the identity of the document signer.The credible witnesses do not actually sign any documents, they just sign the journal and help to identify the signers.

Can a notary notarize with no ID and 2 credible witnesses?
Yes, if the notarization takes place in California, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, or Tennessee.

Nevada credible witnesses – is there a special form?
Nevada requires a special acknowledgment form for credible witnesses.

Can a notary be a witness to a Will? Can a notary witness a Will?
Yes, a notary can be a witness to a will. Some states allow witnessing as an official notary act as well. If it is not an official act, then the notary can charge any fee they like to serve as a witness. Please keep in mind that notaries are discouraged from notarizing signatures on Wills without written instructions from an attorney.

Can a notary sign as a witness in Maryland? Can a notary be a witness in Maryland?
A notary can sign as a witness in Maryland, but it is not an official notary act in that state.

Can a notary sign as a witness in Utah? Can a notary be a witness in Utah?
Yes, a notary can be a witness in Utah.

Can a notary be a witness in Texas?
Yes, a notary can be a witness in Texas.

Can a notary be a witness in New Jersey?
Yes, a notary can be a witness in New Jersey.

Can a notary be a witness in Pennsylvania?
Yes, a notary can be a witness in Pennsylvania, although it is not an official notary act.

What are credible witness statutes?
Credible witness statutes and rules vary from state to state. We have a forum post that covers many states rules about how many credible witnesses you need.

Doesn’t a notary have to witness you signing in person?
This depends on the type of notary act. For Jurats — yes… for Acknowledgments — no. In either case, the signer must sign the notary journal or notary record book if that is required in your state.

If you live on the border of 2 states, are you permitted to witness signings in both states?
Since witnessing is not an official notary act except in Delaware and in New Hampshire (as far as we know), a notary can be a witness anywhere, in any state or country.

Can a notary charge for a witness signature? Can a notary charge to be a witness?
Since this activity is not an official notary act except in Delaware, the notary can charge whatever the client will agree to pay. No state government regulates how much a witness can charge.

Can I be a notary and a witness?
Sure!

What is a notary credible witness acknowledgment?
To the best of our knowledge, only Nevada requires a special acknolwedgment for credible witnesses. However, credible witnesses may be used in most states to identify a signer for an acknolwedged signature.

What is a subscribing witness?
A subscribing witness could be someone who witnesses a principal sign in a proof of execution — OR, it could be a person who witnesses an elderly person do a signature by X signing.

You might also like:

Power of Attorney information

Can a notary witness a will or notarize one?

California Credible Witness Requirements

Oath of two credible witnesses

Comments (3)

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