Posted by Jackie/SC on 10/29/09 11:22am
Msg #309124

Help

I have my first signing tomorrow. It is going to be for a marriage license. He did not specify if there will be a ceremony or not. Customer will be calling me tomorrow with more details. Any suggestions?

Reply by Cari on 10/29/09 11:31am
Msg #309130

WHAT R U TALKING ABOUT? n/m

Reply by John/CT on 10/29/09 11:33am
Msg #309132

Why are you shouting, Cari? n/m

Reply by Cari on 10/29/09 11:37am
Msg #309136

...sorry....but what? n/m

Reply by Roger_OH on 10/29/09 11:35am
Msg #309134

Notary 101:

Check IDs
Ensure no blank spaces on document
Administer the oath, if required
Witness signatures, ensuring they are signing freely (hey it IS a marriage license)
Notarize signatures and complete the notary block with date of signing, venue, signers names, your signature, stamp and seal.

Make sure you read your state handbook on notary laws!

Reply by Cari on 10/29/09 11:38am
Msg #309137

okay, i got confused....marriage licenses here in IL

are only given to couples by the county clerks...

Reply by Jim/AL on 10/29/09 11:45am
Msg #309145

LMAO Roger, that was good.

"Witness signatures, ensuring they are signing freely (hey it IS a marriage license)"

I am picturing pops with his shotgun slung over his shoulder, lol.

Reply by Jackie/SC on 10/29/09 12:00pm
Msg #309157

Thank you so much Roger!

Reply by Laura_V on 10/30/09 11:54am
Msg #309281

Roger nailed it. n/m

Reply by MistarellaFL on 10/29/09 11:44am
Msg #309143

More information needed:

When we read "signing" we think "loan signing".
I don't understand what you are being asked to do?
If this is your first notary assignment, be certain your state law allows it.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/29/09 11:57am
Msg #309156

SC is an oddball state for notaries....

It's an attorney only state for real estate closings, but they can perform marriage ceremonies. In fact, most SC notaries make their money that way.

The SC notary handbook even gives them a script for wedding vows. Hilarious.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/29/09 11:45am
Msg #309144

Page 25 of your handbook....and S. C. Code § 20-1-20

http://www.scsos.com/forms/Notary/FINAL_SC_Notary_Reference_Manual.pdf

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/29/09 11:48am
Msg #309149

I suggest you read your state handbook about notarial procedure...

http://www.scsos.com/forms/Notary/NotaryPublicReferenceManual2009.PDF



Also, don't forget, per the SC SOS:

=========================
**NOTICE**

The handling of real estate closings by notaries public constitutes the unauthorized practice of law in South Carolina. Offering advice to clients, preparing deeds, notes mortgages, and any other documents related to the transfer of property do not fall within the duties of a notary public. (Exception: An attorney who is also a notary public.) Real estate and mortgage loan closings must be conducted by attorneys in South Carolina.
=========================


I realize that what you're doing is not that... but I just wanted to point that out for future reference.


Now back to the "what do I do" bit? Your handbook spells it out fairly well. I mean... dang, they even give you a script!!!

Read it.... memorize it... read it and memorize it again. If you don't know what you're doing, you should NOT accept the appointment and refer them elsewhere.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/29/09 11:54am
Msg #309155

On a side note... I find it funny that

SC notaries can't do loan signings but they can perform marriage ceremonies. That's almost the complete opposite of the majority of states.

Reply by Cari on 10/29/09 12:11pm
Msg #309164

they can do refi's but not purchases....at least that's what

i thought i read on here the other day...