Notarization is the process of having a notary public officially verify the identity of a document signer and witness the signing. Notaries are state-commissioned officials who serve as impartial witnesses to deter fraud.
9 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Determine if notarization is required — Check your document or ask the requesting party whether notarization is needed and what type (acknowledgment, jurat/oath, copy certification, or signature wi...
- Do NOT sign the document yet — The notary must witness your signature. Pre-signed documents generally cannot be notarized (except for acknowledgments in some states).
- Find a notary public — Banks and credit unions (often free for account holders), UPS/FedEx stores, law offices, real estate and title companies, insurance agencies, AAA offices, public libraries, o...
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID — Acceptable IDs include a current driver's license, state ID, US passport, or military ID. The ID must be current (not expired) and include a photo, physical...
- Appear before the notary in person — Present your ID to the notary. They will examine it to verify your identity by comparing the photo, physical description, and signature.
- Confirm your understanding and willingness — The notary will ask if you understand the document and are signing voluntarily, without coercion.
- Sign the document — Sign in the notary's presence. For a jurat (sworn statement), the notary will administer an oath or affirmation before you sign.
- Notary completes the certificate — The notary fills in the notarial certificate, signs, dates, and applies their official seal/stamp to the document.
- Receive your notarized document — The notary records the transaction in their journal. You receive the completed document.
Common Mistakes
- Signing before visiting the notary
- Bringing expired or unacceptable ID
- Leaving blanks in the document
- Expecting the notary to provide legal advice
- Not knowing the notarization type needed
Pro Tips
- Banks and credit unions frequently offer free notary services for account hol...
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) is now legal in most states, allowing notari...
- Mobile notaries come to you (home, office, hospital) for an additional fee, t...
- Some documents (like those going to foreign countries) may need both notariza...
- Hospitals often have notaries on staff or on call for patients who need docum...