Hotline Tip: How Do I Report An Improper Notarization?

If I see someone notarizing documents without the signer present, what should I do? – C.M., Miami, Florida

To perform a notarization, the very first thing that must happen is the principal signer must personally appear before the Notary. If you know of someone who is notarizing documents without the principal signer appearing before the Notary, they should be reported to your state’s Notary-regulating agency. In Florida, this would be the Department of State, Division of Corporations, Notary Commissions and Certifications Section. Their phone number is 1-850-245-6975, and their mailing address is: P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314.