What Does It Mean to Notarize a Document?
Notarization is the official process by which a licensed Notary Public verifies the identity of document signers, witnesses the signing, and places their official seal on the document. This process deters fraud by creating an independent, credentialed record that the person who signed the document is who they claim to be and signed willingly.
Notarization does not verify the contents of a document — it only confirms the identity and voluntary signature of the parties involved.
Documents That Commonly Require Notarization
- Powers of Attorney
- Real estate deeds and mortgage documents
- Wills and trusts (in some states)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Adoption and custody agreements
- Business contracts and agreements
- Vehicle title transfers
- International documents requiring an Apostille
Types of Notarial Acts
Acknowledgment
The most common type. The signer appears before the notary and acknowledges that they signed the document voluntarily. The document may have been signed beforehand, but the signer must personally appear and confirm their signature.
Jurat
The signer swears or affirms under oath that the contents of the document are true. They must sign the document in front of the notary. This is common for affidavits.
Copy Certification
The notary certifies that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. (Not all states allow notaries to perform copy certifications.)
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Document Notarized
- Locate a notary. Common locations include banks and credit unions, UPS stores and shipping centers, public libraries, law offices, and online via remote notarization platforms (legal in most states).
- Bring valid, government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport is standard. The name on your ID must match the name on the document.
- Do not sign the document beforehand — unless it's an acknowledgment and your notary confirms pre-signing is acceptable in your state.
- Appear before the notary in person (or via a video session for remote notarization).
- Sign the document in front of the notary.
- The notary verifies your identity, records the transaction in their notary journal, and applies their stamp/seal and signature.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
A growing number of states now permit Remote Online Notarization, which allows the notarization to take place over a secure video call. The signer uses electronic signature tools and identity verification technology. RON services are available through several platforms, and the resulting document carries the same legal weight as an in-person notarization in states where it's authorized.
What a Notary Cannot Do
- Notarize a document they have a personal interest in
- Notarize a document for a person who appears confused, coerced, or mentally incapacitated
- Certify the accuracy or legality of the document's content
- Offer legal advice (unless they are also a licensed attorney)
Fees and What to Expect
Most states cap notary fees, which are typically modest — often just a few dollars per signature or act. Banks often provide free notarization services to their account holders. Ask before you go so you're not surprised.
Getting a document properly notarized is usually a quick, inexpensive process. Knowing what to bring and what to expect makes it even smoother.