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Suzies Notary Services
and Wedding Officiant

Questions, Answers & Information

Marriage License information

  • You muist obtain a Florida marriage license with the Clerk of Courts office.
  • Both parties need to apply together.
  • For a list of county courthouses CLICK HERE   http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/fgils/coclerks.html
  • Each party must show a valid photo identification (driver's license, State identification, passport or valid military identification, proof of Alien registration, if you are not a U.S. Citizen)
  • Both parties must provide their Social Security numbers.
  • If either party has been previously married, the party must provide th date his or her last marriage ended.
  • There is a three day waiting period if your're a Florida resident, no waiting period for residents who have completed the Premarital Preparation Course or non residents.
  • Once the license is issued, it is valid for 60 days.
  • No blood tests are required.
  • Method of payment and cost depends on each county. 

 Until recently, most women in the United States changed their last names at marriage. By tradition, the bride took the last name of the groom. Today, many brides choose to deep their own names or to use a hyphenated name.

Changing your name on Drivers License or ID and Social Security Card

  • Driver's License. Take the certified copy of the marriage license to a Florida Driver's License Department. For information contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle CLICK HERE http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/namechange.html  There may be additonal documents required and a fee to process the change.
  • Social Security Card. Pick up Form SSA-5 at any Social Security office. You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request that a form be mailed to you. For information and a form CLICK HERE  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ The Social Security office must see the certified copy of your marriage license, so it isa good idea to go to your local office in person. Additional documents may be required.
  • What is a Notary Public? A Notary Public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. Notaries are required to undergo special training in the performance of their duties.
  • Examples of Notary powers; Take acknowledgments; Administer oaths and affirmations; Attest copies; Solemnize marriages; Verify vehicle identification numbers; Certify contents of safe deposit boxes.
  • A Notary Public; May not offer legal advice or prepare documents and connot recommend how a prson should sign a document or even what type of notarization is necessary, as these things would constitute unauthorized practice of law.
  • What is an acknowledgment? Acknowledgment is a form of (oral) declaration before an authorized public officer. It is made by a person executing (signing) an instrument who states that it was his or her free act and deed.
  • What is an Oath, affirmation, and Jurat? A Jurat is the official written statement by a notary public that he or she has administered and witnessed an oath or affirmation for an oath to office, or on an affidavit-that is, that a person has sworn to or affirmed the truth of information contained in a document, under peralty of perjury, whether that document is a lengthy deposition or a simple statement on an application form.
  • Is notarization required by law? For many documents, yes. Certain affidavits, deeds and powers of attorney may not be legally binding unless they are properly notarized. With other documents, no. Private entities and individuals may requrie notarization to strengthen the document and to protect it from fraud.
  • Does notarization make a document "true" or "legal"?  No. A notarization typically means the signer acknowledged to the Notary that he or she signed the document or vouched under oath or affirmation that the contents of the document were true.
  • Can a Notary refuse to serve people? Only if the Notary is uncertain of a signer's identity, willingness, mental awareness, or has cause to suspect fraud. Notaries may no refuse service on the basis of race, religion, nationality, lifestyle, or because the person is not a client or customer.

 

We are not  licensed attorneys and cannot give legal advice.The information posted on this site is for informational purposes only.  

 

 

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