Posted by Paul2_FL on 2/4/06 4:23pm
Msg #94319

Notarizing Bank applications....

I got a request to notarize two bank forms for someone who's opening up a checking/savings account. The forms are completely blank with the exception of the client's Social Security number. This person is handicapped and house bound and can't go to the bank to do the signing there. The bank told him that all I needed to do was "notarize his signature". I refused to do this because the documents were completely blank with the exception of the SSN mentioned above. The bank didn't even have his name on them!
I believe I'm in my right to refuse but I can't find anything in the FL Statutes to back me up.
PAW - Sylvia???

Reply by Shane_OH on 2/4/06 4:47pm
Msg #94321

I won' t speak for Florida law, but for both Indiana & Ohio law, you aren't to fill in any blanks, nor should you notarize any forms with lines not filled in.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 2/4/06 4:52pm
Msg #94323

Paul
Please read the Florida statutes 117:07 (3) That will back up your decision.

Reply by PAW_Fl on 2/4/06 6:35pm
Msg #94341

I think you mean F.S.A. 117.107(3).

To the original poster: Read pg 55 of the Gov's manual. It's a Q&A, where the question is: "May I ever refuse to provide notary services?"

Please read the notary manual, cover to cover, and know the contents before performing notarial acts.

Reply by Paul2_FL on 2/4/06 7:50pm
Msg #94358

Thank you for replying one and all..

In response to PAW's well intention comment I do want to say that I have, in the past, before I ever took an assignment read the entire notary manual cover to cover more than once. I keep it with me for each and every signing that I do as a reference. In addition, I keep the smaller version of the Statutes as well.
For the record, I have refused notarizations in the past that were incomplete. These however, all had to do with the Loan industry. My posting this time was specifically for a bank application since I had not done one of these before. I knew, in the back of my mind, that I was doing the right thing but later just couldn't put my finger on where I had read that I was correct in doing so. (Lately, I've been constantly second guessing my decisions!) Thank you for refreshing my memory and pointing me to page 55. Before I posted today I skimmed through the Manual and I just couldn't find it. (Rushing through it instead of taking my time. Had I done so I wouldn't need to apologize now). Sorry...

Reply by PAW_Fl on 2/4/06 9:46pm
Msg #94413

No need for an apology ...

We all have those lapses. There's a lot of material in our manual (thankfully). And the comment about reading it cover to cover and making sure you know what's inside, wasn't directed at you since I know you have already done that, but for all the "newcomer" readers, especially those in Florida who have not read the manual.

In this particular instance (or any other, for that matter), a FL notary is free to refuse to notarize for just about any reason they can think of. Florida is pretty lax in that respect. We are not 'required' to perform. If we simply don't feel like it, for almost any reason, we can refuse. However, it doesn't present a good business image to do so, if you advertise and accept general notary work.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 2/4/06 10:20pm
Msg #94417

Re: Notarizing Bank applications.... oops

Slip of the fingers, naturally it is 117:107 (3). I thought I had hit the "1"