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  • Notary Education

Notary education & Glossary of Notary terms/documents

A loan signing is an essential part of closing a mortgage or refinancing a home. During this process, you will review and sign various documents related to the loan, including the loan agreement, promissory note, deed of trust, and disclosure statements. At Platinum Pens Notary, we guide you through each document, ensuring that you understand the purpose and importance of each one before signing. As the notary, we verify your identity, witness the signing, and answer any general questions about the process, helping you feel confident and informed.


In Tennessee, a witness is not generally required for notarization; however, certain documents may call for an additional witness, such as a last will and testament. If a witness is necessary, Tennessee law requires that they be an adult who is not a party to the document and can confirm the signer's identity and voluntary action. Witnesses play an essential role in verifying the authenticity of a document, particularly in estate planning and legal documents. If you need assistance arranging a witness, please contact us ahead of time so we can help coordinate.


Tennessee law requires notaries to verify the identity of the signer to ensure the security and legitimacy of the notarization. To meet these requirements, signers must present an acceptable form of government-issued identification. Here are the forms of ID we accept at Platinum Pens Notary:

  • Driver's License: A valid, government-issued driver’s license with photo and signature.
  • State-Issued Identification Card: Official ID cards issued by the state for non-drivers.
  • Passport: Both U.S. and foreign passports with a photo and signature are accepted.
  • Military ID: Official IDs issued by the U.S. military, provided they include a photo and signature.
  • Alien Registration Card: Also known as a Green Card, issued to lawful permanent residents by U.S. immigration authorities.

Please ensure your identification is up-to-date and meets these requirements to avoid delays in the notarization process.


Notaries handle a variety of documents to help individuals, families, and businesses achieve legal and financial security. Here are some commonly notarized documents we assist with at Platinum Pens Notary:

  • Real Estate Documents: Deeds, mortgages, leases, and other real estate documents require notarization to verify parties' identities and authenticate their signatures.
  • Loan Documents: Includes promissory notes, deeds of trust, and other loan-related documents required to close a loan or refinancing.
  • Business Documents: Corporate paperwork, such as articles of incorporation, contracts, and powers of attorney, often require notarization to ensure legality and enforceability.
  • Personal Documents: Personal and family documents, including affidavits, wills, living trusts, and healthcare directives, are notarized to secure their authenticity and validate the signers’ intentions.

Understanding the importance of each document and the requirements for notarization can help streamline your signing process and provide peace of mind.


Glossary of Notary Terms

Affidavit

A written statement made under oath, affirming the truth of the facts stated.

Acknowledgment

A declaration made by a person who has signed a document that they signed it voluntarily and that the document is their own act.

Attestation

The act of witnessing the signing of a document and certifying that the signer is the person they claim to be.

Certification

A formal statement verifying the authenticity or accuracy of a document.

Jurat

A clause in a document that requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents are true.

Notary Public

A public officer authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgments, and certify documents.

Oath

A solemn promise made to God or a higher power to tell the truth.

Seal

A mark or impression used to authenticate or verify a document.

Verification

The process of confirming the truth or accuracy of a statement or document.

Glossary of Document Types

Affidavit of Execution

A sworn statement confirming that a document was signed voluntarily and that the signer is the person they claim to be.

Bill of Sale

  A document that transfers ownership of personal property from one person to another.

Deed

A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one person to another.

Power of Attorney

 A legal document that grants someone authority to act on your behalf. 

Lease Agreement

  A contract that grants a tenant the right to use property owned by a landlord.

Mortgage

  A loan secured by real property.

Promissory Note

 A written promise to pay a debt. 

Quitclaim Deed

 A deed that transfers ownership of real property without any warranties. 

Warranty Deed

 A deed that guarantees the seller has clear title to the property. 

Will

A legal document that expresses a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their property after their death.


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