Hello, New notary here from Colorado…I understand what a Credible Witness is and everything that goes with it but can someone give me an example/description of what it means to be a regular witness on a document? I just can’t find any info on the difference between the 2 types. Thank you and sorry about the elementary question.
A common example is a real estate deed. In some states, these must be witnessed by one or two people who are acting as “regular guys”, rather than as notaries. In addition the grantor(s) must acknowledge their signature to a notary, who then fills out the notarial certificate(s). In some states, the notary is allowed to be one of the regular guy witnesses.
There are also documents that are witnessed by regular guys, and no notary is required.
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Thank you - can you think of any other documents that would need a regular witness? Specifically for loan signings?
Hi Stacey3, I’m a Colorado notary. A witness is someone who is just witnessing the signature being placed on the document. I see a witness requirement most often on Power of Attorney documents. Depending on who drafted the document, they may request one or two witnesses.
A Credible Witness is required when the signer does not have valid identification. Colorado requires the Credible Witness must personally know the signer and the Notary Public or provide sufficient identification to us (the Notary). In addition, a Credible Witness must sign an sworn statement that the signer is actually that person. The Colorado Notary Public Handbook has a sample of a Credible Witness statement.
Personally, I will not be a witness to a signing and the Notary on the same signing.
Reach out to me if you want to chat or even meet up someplace. (I’m in the Brighton area.)
Thank you Terry for clarifying between the two. I emailed the CO SOS a while ago regarding clarification on CWs (to compare it with the Handbook) and the email didn’t say anything about if the CW didn’t know the notary, the CW could provide ID…however the Handbook agrees with you…you can accept ID from the CW if the Notary doesn’t know them. That would be great if we could chat sometime…we live on the other side of the Rockies so meeting in person isn’t possible, but it’s nice to get feedback from someone from CO. Thanks again!
Stacey3, I received your response. If you want to connect, my email is terry@fyamobilenotary.com
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Hey Terry, are you a RON? If so, do you use Blue Notary? I have a question for them but they can’t seem to answer it…