Elevated Notary Services - Notary Role FAQ

IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Elevated Notary Services is not a law firm, and I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee. I may not provide legal advice, explain the legal effect of a document, recommend which notarial act you should use, or complete forms that are not part of the notarial certificate.

As a Tennessee Notary Public, my role is to serve as an impartial witness, verify identity, complete the notarial act requested, and follow applicable notarial requirements.

What Is a Notary Public's Job, Really?

Many people believe a notary’s stamp is what makes a document “legal” or confirms that its contents are truthful. That is a common misconception. A Notary Public’s role is to perform the notarial act properly, verify the signer’s identity, and help protect the integrity of the signing process.

Identity: We verify that the person signing is the person identified in the document.

Willingness: We confirm that the signer is acting willingly and understands that they are signing the document.

Clearing Up Common Notary Questions

Does notarization automatically make a document "legal" or "valid"?

No. Notarization does not make a document legal, valid, or enforceable. The notarial act primarily confirms the signer’s identity and completion of the required notarial procedure. The legal effect and enforceability of a document are determined by applicable law and the parties involved.

Is it your job to read and verify the document's accuracy?

No. A notary does not determine whether a document is accurate, complete, or legally sufficient. Reviewing the document for legal meaning or advising a signer about its contents may constitute the unauthorized practice of law. Our role is to perform the notarial act—not to interpret the document.

Can you tell me which type of notarization I need?

No. Because a notary cannot provide legal advice, we cannot determine which notarial act you need or advise you on the legal requirements of your document. Action: If you are unsure which notarial act is required, contact the document preparer, attorney, or other qualified professional who provided the document.

Your ID Checklist: What to Bring

To meet the legal requirement for "satisfactory evidence," your identification must meet specific criteria. All identification documents must be current or issued within the last five (5) years, contain a photograph and description of the person, be signed by the person, and bear a serial or other identifying number.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR LOAN SIGNINGS (e.g., Mortgage Closing): For documents related to a loan (such as Deeds of Trust or Affidavits in a closing package), the lender or title company often requires borrowers to present two (2) forms of valid, unexpired identification, even if state law only requires one. Please confirm your ID requirements with your lender or title company prior to our appointment.

✅Primary IDs

An identification card or driver's license issued by the department of safety [Tennessee Department of Safety]; or

A passport issued by the United States department of state.

☑️Secondary IDs

A passport issued by a foreign government;

A driver's license issued by a state other than Tennessee;

An identification card issued by a state other than this state; or

An identification card issued by any branch of the armed forces of the United States.

❌Unacceptable IDs

Expired IDs

Social Security Cards

Birth/Marriage Certificates

School or Workplace IDs

Credit Cards

Any document that fails the statutory criteria

Our Commitment to You

At Elevated Notary Services, we are committed to providing professional, accurate, and compliant notary services while respecting the limits of our role as a Notary Public. We believe every signer deserves a professional experience built on integrity, clear communication, and attention to detail.

Ready to schedule your notarization? Contact Us Today!

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