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Frequently asked questions
What does a notary do?
A notary verifies identity, witnesses signatures, administers oaths, and helps prevent fraud by confirming a signer is acting willingly and understands the document.
What types of notarizations are there?
Common types include acknowledgments, jurats, oaths/affirmations, copy certifications, and signature witnessing; some states also allow remote online notarization.
What is an acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment confirms the signer appeared before the notary, proved their identity, and acknowledged signing the document voluntarily.
What is a jurat?
A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true and sign in the notary's presence.
What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?
An oath invokes a higher power, while an affirmation is a solemn promise without religious reference; both carry the same legal weight.
What is a copy certification?
A notary verifies that a photocopy of an original document is a true, accurate, and complete reproduction of the original.
Can a notary certify a birth certificate copy?
Usually no; vital records must be obtained from the issuing agency. Some states prohibit certifying any vital record copies.
What is signature witnessing?
The notary verifies identity and watches the signer physically sign the document, but no oath is administered.
What ID do I need for notarization?
A government‑issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID; it must be current or within the state's acceptable expiration window.
Can a notary accept expired ID?
Some states allow recently expired IDs; others do not. It depends on state law.
Can a notary refuse service?
Yes, if the signer lacks proper ID, appears coerced, seems unaware of the document, or requests an illegal or prohibited act.
Can a notary give legal advice?
No. Notaries cannot explain legal consequences, draft documents, or advise on what type of notarization is needed unless they are also licensed attorneys.
Can a notary notarize a document in a language they don't understand?
Yes, as long as the notary and signer communicate in a common language and the notary can complete the certificate in their own language.
Can a notary notarize for a family member?
Some states allow it if the notary is not a party to the document; others prohibit notarizing for close relatives.
How much does notarization cost?
Fees vary by state; many states cap fees per signature, while mobile and remote notaries may charge additional travel or technology fees.
Do I need to sign the document in front of the notary?
For jurats and signature witnessing, yes. For acknowledgments, the signature may be pre‑signed as long as the signer appears and acknowledges it.
Can a notary notarize a blank document?
No. All blanks must be filled or lined through before notarization.
Can a notary notarize a will?
Yes, but many states recommend or require witnesses; notaries cannot advise on will validity unless they are attorneys.
Can a notary notarize immigration documents?
Yes, but they cannot provide immigration advice unless they are accredited or licensed attorneys.
Can a notary notarize a power of attorney?
Yes, as long as the signer is competent, present, and properly identified.
Can a notary notarize for someone who cannot sign?
Yes, if the state allows signature by mark or signature by proxy, following strict procedures.
Can a notary notarize for someone who is bedridden or hospitalized?
Yes, mobile notaries can travel to hospitals, nursing homes, or private residences if the signer is aware and willing.
Can a notary notarize for someone who is blind or deaf?
Yes, as long as communication is clear and the signer understands the document.
Can a notary notarize for someone who doesn't speak English?
Yes, if the notary and signer share a common language; interpreters are usually not allowed.
Can a notary notarize remotely?
Only if they are commissioned as a Remote Online Notary (RON) in a state that authorizes remote notarization.
What is a Remote Online Notary (RON)?
A RON performs notarizations using audio‑video technology, identity verification tools, and digital signatures.
What technology is required for remote notarization?
A webcam, stable internet, digital ID verification, and a platform approved by the notary's state.
Are remote notarizations valid in all states?
Most states recognize properly performed RON notarizations, but acceptance varies by document type and jurisdiction.
What is a mobile notary?
A mobile notary travels to the signer's location—home, office, hospital, jail, etc.—to perform notarizations.
Do mobile notaries charge travel fees?
Yes, travel fees are separate from state‑regulated notarial fees and must be agreed upon in advance.
What is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA)?
A specialized notary trained to handle mortgage, loan, and real estate closing documents.
Do Signing Agents explain loan terms?
They can explain where information is located in the documents but cannot provide legal or financial advice.
What documents do Signing Agents commonly notarize?
Loan packages, deeds of trust, mortgages, affidavits, occupancy statements, and closing disclosures.
What is a civil‑law notary?
A highly trained legal professional (common in Louisiana and some countries) who drafts, authenticates, and records legal instruments with greater authority than standard notaries.
Can a civil‑law notary give legal advice?
Yes, in jurisdictions where they are licensed attorneys with expanded authority.
Do I need witnesses for notarization?
Some documents require witnesses by law (e.g., wills, medical directives); witnesses must be present and meet state requirements.
Can the notary act as a witness?
Sometimes yes, but not for all documents; state law and document type determine eligibility.
Can a notary notarize documents for real estate transactions?
Yes, especially Notary Signing Agents who specialize in loan closings.
Can a notary notarize for someone outside the state?
Yes, as long as the notary is physically located in their commissioning state during the notarization.
Can a notary notarize international documents?
Yes, but the receiving country may require an apostille or authentication.
What is an apostille?
A certification issued by the state that verifies the notary's commission for documents used in Hague Convention countries.
What is notary journal?
A record of notarizations performed; some states require it for all acts, others only for certain acts.
Why does the notary need my thumbprint?
Some states require thumbprints for high‑risk documents such as deeds, powers of attorney, or real estate transfers.
Can a notary notarize a document with multiple signers?
Yes, as long as each signer appears before the notary and is properly identified.
Can a notary notarize documents for inmates?
Yes, mobile notaries often visit correctional facilities following facility rules.
Can a notary notarize a document for someone who is intoxicated?
No. The signer must be aware, coherent, and acting voluntarily.
Can a notary notarize a document for someone with dementia?
Only if the signer demonstrates understanding and willingness; otherwise the notary must refuse.
Can a notary notarize a document for a minor?
Some states allow it if the minor has acceptable ID; others prohibit notarizing for minors.
Can a notary notarize a document without the signer present?
No. Physical or remote presence (if authorized) is required.
Can a notary notarize a faxed or scanned document?
Yes, as long as the signature is original unless the state allows electronic notarization.
Can a notary notarize an electronic signature?
Yes, if they are commissioned as an electronic notary or RON and follow state rules.
Can a notary notarize a document written in pencil?
No. Documents must be permanent and unalterable.
Can a notary notarize a document with corrections?
Corrections must be initialed by the signer; otherwise the notary may refuse.
Can a notary notarize a document with missing pages?
No. The document must be complete and intact.
Can a notary notarize a document that is already signed?
Yes, for acknowledgments; no for jurats or signature witnessing.
Can a notary notarize a document for someone who is bedridden and cannot hold a pen?
Yes, if the state allows signature by mark or proxy and all legal procedures are followed.
Can a notary notarize a document for someone using a power of attorney?
Yes, but the attorney‑in‑fact must present ID and sign in their representative capacity.
Can a notary notarize a document for a business?
Yes, if the signer has authority to act on behalf of the business.
Can a notary notarize a document for a trust?
Yes, if the trustee or authorized representative signs and provides proper ID.
Can a notary notarize a document for a deceased person?
No. Only living individuals can sign and be notarized.
Is a notary an attorney?
No. A notary public in the United States is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice.
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