Technically, notary publics notarize signatures, not documents. The law once required notary seals on many types of contracts. Real estate deeds still carry notarized signatures.

State Rep. Carolina Amesty notarized a document that a teacher says he never signed. Three handwriting experts consulted by the Orlando Sentinel said the signature likely wasn’t his.

Never notarize a document that is less than 100% complete. ... If paperwork is returned late, a homeowner or lender could sue you if they lose out on a set rate, for example.