When you are looking for a Walnut Creek notary public, there are a few things to consider before you make your appointment. You will want an office that is clean and professional, has the latest equipment, and has competent, honest employees. You will also want a notary that can travel to different locations so that your documents can be signed in the location of your choice. The following is information on each of these factors.
A Cleaning Business. Before you start your search for a trustworthy and reliable notary, you need to find one that is trustworthy. This means they have to have a clean business record and a high level of ethics. For instance, you should not find a Walnut Creek notary that refuses to fill out a state form, or a notary that tries to convince you that they are certified in order to help you with your legal document needs. They should only accept certified documents from licensed corporations.
Experience. A notary that has been in business for several years is the best choice for a business you are thinking of having notary public services performed for you. They should have many years of experience and be able to prove their experience through the notary seal they have earned.
Documents. You will also want to check into the notary’s office. It should be clean, organized, and efficient. You will also want to ensure that the documents are current. This means a computer that is up to date with a printer that can handle notary seals.
Availability. Walnut Creek is a good place to search for a good licensed public notary. This is because this community is popular and you will likely find many other people with the same legal services. However, you should also consider how far the notary is from your home or business. This may be important if you need the notary to get there as well as back when you are finished with the paperwork.
Knowledgeable Staff. When you choose a Walnut Creek notary, you will want to find someone knowledgeable with the process. You need to make sure the staff is courteous and that they work quickly. You also need to make sure the staff understands the process and how it will affect you. A good communication process is also important, so you can fully explain your documents and the reasons why they are important.
Certification. A notary bond does not mean you are guaranteed not to commit fraud. You need to understand that while the notary will ask for proper ID, you may need to provide proof of your identity in order to guarantee the documents are legal. The notary will also need proof of your business and income level as well as information about your property and debts.
Location. If you are in a small town then you may want to consider going with a local Walnut Creek notary office. In this day and age, the majority of businesses will utilize a local office for convenience. You will also save money by using a local office. If you have any doubts, then you should do some research online and find out where the nearest offices are.
Services. You will also want to find out if there are additional services the company offers such as filing taxes, preparing for birth and death certificates, renewing documents and other types of legal documents. While notaries generally just handle one type of document, some offer their clients a full list of services. These are important services to consider especially if you run a business and need to file a lot of business forms. If you are going to hire a Walnut Creek notary, make sure they offer this service as part of their package.
Experience. This should go without saying, but you need to find a notary that has experience in the field. Notaries can become licensed after having either a high school diploma or an associate’s degree. Others may choose to get their license after completing a two-year degree. A notary that has been in business for at least five years is also considered an expert in their field and should be approached for any special tasks.
Knowledge. It is also very important to know how to prepare the documents the notary is going to be working with. Many people do not realize how important it is to read the fine print when they are filing their state and/or federal tax forms. Your notary will be responsible for interpreting the documents accordingly. They must be able to determine what the documents mean and provide a back up if the original copy is missing.