You cannot notarize your own signature in any U.S. state

A notary public cannot notarize a document that they themselves have signed. This rule exists in all 50 states and is one of the few things notary law agrees on completely. The reason is straightforward: a notary's job is to verify that the person signing the document is who they claim to be and that they are signing of their own free will. You cannot be an impartial witness to your own act.

If you need a document notarized and you are the one signing it, you must find a different notary — someone with no financial interest in the document and no personal stake in the transaction. This applies whether the document is a power of attorney, an affidavit, a real estate deed, or anything else that requires a notary seal.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state prohibits notaries from notarizing their own signature, even if they hold a notary commission.
  • The rule exists because a notary must be an impartial third party who can verify the signer's identity and intent.
  • If you need your own signature notarized, you must use a different notary with no connection to the document or transaction.
  • Violating this rule can result in the notarization being declared void and may lead to disciplinary action against the notary.

Why notaries cannot notarize themselves

A notary's core duty is to act as an impartial witness. When you notarize a signature, you are certifying three things: that you checked the signer's government-issued ID, that the person in front of you matches that ID, and that they signed the document willingly and without pressure. You cannot perform that verification on yourself because you already know who you are.

More importantly, notaries are forbidden from notarizing documents in which they have a financial or personal interest. If you are signing a document, you almost always have an interest in it — you are the one whose rights or obligations are changing. A notary who notarizes their own signature is essentially vouching for their own honesty, which defeats the entire purpose of the notary system.

State notary laws spell this out explicitly. For example, California Probate Code Section 13100 and similar statutes in other states make clear that a notary cannot notarize a document they have signed. Some states go further and prohibit a notary from notarizing documents signed by their spouse, business partner, or anyone else they live with.

What happens if a notary notarizes their own signature

If a notary notarizes their own signature anyway, the notarization is void. Courts will not recognize it, and any document relying on that notarization may be rejected by banks, government agencies, or other parties who need proof that the signature was properly verified.

The notary themselves faces consequences. State notary regulators can revoke the notary's commission, fine them, or refer them for criminal prosecution depending on the state and the circumstances. Some states treat this as a misdemeanor. Even a single violation can end a notary's career.

How to get your own signature notarized

Find a notary who has no connection to the document or transaction. This can be a notary at a bank, a UPS Store, a law office, or a mobile notary who comes to you. When you meet the notary, bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign the document, and then explore their seal and signature.

The cost is usually between $5 and $25 per signature, depending on where you go and whether the notary has to travel to you. Some banks offer notary services free to customers. If you need the notarization urgently, mobile notaries can often come to your home or office the same day.

Make sure the notary is commissioned in the state where the document will be used. A notary commissioned in one state cannot notarize documents for use in another state, though many notaries hold commissions in multiple states.

Special cases: family members and business partners

Some states extend the self-notarization ban beyond just the signer. A notary cannot notarize a document signed by their spouse in most states. Some states also prohibit notarizing documents signed by anyone the notary lives with or has a business relationship with.

These rules exist for the same reason as the self-notarization ban: the notary must be impartial. If you are married to a notary or work with one, you will need to find a different notary for documents you sign. Ask the notary you contact whether they have any restrictions based on their personal relationships.

Documents that commonly need notarization

Power of attorney documents almost always require notarization. So do affidavits, real estate deeds, mortgage documents, and many legal declarations. Some states require notarization for wills, though not all do. Bank and government forms often specify whether notarization is needed.

Before you sign a document, check whether it requires notarization. If it does, do not sign it yet — wait until you are in front of the notary. The notary needs to watch you sign. If you sign before meeting the notary, the notarization will be invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document they prepared?

No. A notary cannot notarize any document they have a connection to, including documents they drafted or helped prepare. The notary must be a completely neutral third party with no involvement in creating or benefiting from the document.

What if I am a notary and need my own signature notarized?

You must find a different notary, just like anyone else. Your notary commission does not exempt you from this rule. You cannot use your own seal and signature to notarize your own documents under any circumstances.

Can a notary notarize a document for a family member?

It depends on the state and the family relationship. Most states prohibit notarizing documents signed by a spouse. Some states also ban notarizing for parents, children, or anyone the notary lives with. Check your state's rules or ask the notary whether they can help.

What if the notary makes a mistake and notarizes my signature anyway?

The notarization is void and will not be accepted by banks, courts, or government agencies. You will need to have the document notarized again by a different notary. If the notary did this intentionally, you can report them to your state's notary regulator.

Do I need to be notarized if I am signing a document for someone else?

No. The person whose signature appears on the document is the one who needs to be notarized. If you are signing on behalf of someone else under a power of attorney, you are the one who needs to be in front of the notary, and your ID will be checked.