Notarizing ensures that the signatures on a document are valid and that they weren’t signed under duress or forgery. Many documents can’t be legally enforced without a notary's seal. Here are three documents that require notarization.

A Guide to Commonly Notarized Documents

1. Self-Proving Affidavits to Wills

While a will itself doesn’t need to be notarized, a self-proving affidavit is an extremely helpful document that does require notarizing. Since the affidavit proves that the will’s terms are valid, the document can bypass a portion of probate. In Hawaii, you can confirm a will’s validity by having the testator and two witnesses sign an affidavit in the presence of a notary public.

2. A Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

If you sell a car in Hawaii, the bill of sale needs notarizing. This is a legal safeguard that’s necessary for transferring vehicle ownership from one person to another. A notarized bill verifies the identity of the seller and ensures that the information they’ve provided on the form, such as the vehicle make and model, is correct. The buyer will need this form to register the vehicle.

3. A Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) grants another person the ability to make legal and financial decisions for you if you’re absent or incapacitated. A POA can be broad in scope and cover all general decision-making capabilities, or it can grant the appointed individual control over specific decisions. The document involves major legal and financial issues, and POAs in Hawaii need to be signed in front of a notary public so that each party understands their rights and responsibilities.

If you need document notarizing on Oahu, contact the team at AAA Legal Process, Inc., in Honolulu, HI. These professionals provide several legal services in addition to notarization, like process serving, document retrievals, and court filings. They handle every job with diligence, efficiency, and professionalism, providing their clients with peace of mind when it comes to legal matters. Call (844) 737-8344 or send a message online to schedule an appointment with a notary.