The correct spelling is "notarized" with a Z

Notarized is spelled N-O-T-A-R-I-Z-E-D. It is the past tense of the verb "notarize," meaning a notary public has witnessed your signature and stamped the document with their official seal. The word comes from "notary" — the person who performs the act — plus the suffix "-ize" (to perform or carry out an action), plus "-ed" (past tense).

The most common mistake is spelling it "notarised" with an S instead of a Z. That spelling is standard in British English, but in American English, the Z is correct. If you are filling out a form, signing a legal document, or writing to a notary, use the Z.

The word appears in phrases like "notarized signature," "notarized copy," or "notarized document" — all meaning the notary has verified and sealed the paperwork. You will see it on real estate deeds, power of attorney forms, affidavits, and loan documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The correct American spelling is "notarized" with a Z at the end, not an S.
  • Notarized means a notary public has witnessed your signature and applied their official seal to the document.
  • The British spelling "notarised" with an S is not used in American legal or business documents.
  • You will encounter the word on deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, and loan paperwork.
  • Related words like "notarization," "notarize," and "notarial" all use the Z spelling in American English.

Related notary terms and how to spell them

Notary is spelled N-O-T-A-R-Y. This is the person — a notary public — who witnesses signatures and certifies documents. Some people shorten it to "notary" in conversation, though the full title is "notary public." The notary is the one who performs the notarization.

Notarization is spelled N-O-T-A-R-I-Z-A-T-I-O-N. This is the noun form, meaning the act or process of having a document notarized. You might say, "The notarization took five minutes," or "I need a notarization on this deed." This word also uses the Z in American English.

Notarize is spelled N-O-T-A-R-I-Z-E. This is the base verb form, present tense. A notary will notarize your document. You notarize a signature by having a notary witness it. Again, the Z is standard in American usage.

Notarial is spelled N-O-T-A-R-I-A-L. This is an adjective meaning "relating to a notary or notarization." You might read "notarial seal," "notarial certificate," or "notarial act" on official paperwork. This word does not contain a Z, so it is less commonly misspelled.

Why the spelling matters in legal documents

Notarized documents are used in courts, banks, real estate transactions, and government offices. Misspelling the word will not invalidate the document itself — the notary's seal and signature are what matter legally — but it can look unprofessional or raise questions about whether the document was prepared carefully.

If you are preparing a document that will be notarized, use the correct spelling. If you are writing to a notary public or filling out a form, double-check the spelling before submitting. Most word processors will flag "notarised" as a spelling error in American English, so let that guide you.

Government agencies, banks, and courts expect documents to follow American spelling conventions. Using the correct spelling shows attention to detail and reduces the chance that a document will be questioned or sent back for correction.

Common phrases using "notarized"

You will encounter these phrases regularly in legal and financial settings. A notarized copy means the notary has verified that the copy matches the original document and has sealed it. A notarized signature means the notary watched you sign and certified that you did so. A notarized affidavit is a sworn statement that a notary has witnessed and sealed.

Real estate transactions often require a notarized deed or notarized title. Loan documents frequently need notarized promissory notes. Powers of attorney almost always require notarization. In each case, the word is spelled the same way: N-O-T-A-R-I-Z-E-D.

When you see these phrases on official paperwork, the spelling is always with a Z in the United States. Learning to recognize and use the correct spelling will help you prepare documents that meet professional and legal standards.

British versus American spelling in notary documents

The difference between "notarized" and "notarised" reflects a broader pattern in English spelling. American English uses Z in words ending in "-ize," while British English uses S in words ending in "-ise." This applies to hundreds of words: organize/organise, realize/realise, and so on.

If you are working with documents in the United States, Canada, or any jurisdiction that follows American English conventions, use the Z. If you are in the United Kingdom, Australia, or another Commonwealth country, the S spelling may be standard. However, many international organizations and multinational companies use American spelling for consistency, so it is worth checking the specific document or organization's style guide before submitting.

When in doubt, ask the notary public or the organization requesting the document which spelling they prefer. Most will confirm that American spelling with a Z is correct for U.S. documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "notarised" ever correct in American English?

No. "Notarised" with an S is the British spelling and is not standard in American legal documents, business writing, or government forms. If you are in the United States, use the Z. If you are in the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, the S spelling may be preferred, but check the specific document or organization's style guide.

Does a misspelling make a notarized document invalid?

No. The notary's official seal, signature, and date are what make a document legally valid, not the spelling of the word "notarized" on the page. However, misspellings can create confusion or suggest carelessness, so it is worth getting it right before submission.

What is the difference between "notarize" and "notarized"?

"Notarize" is the base verb — the action itself. "Notarized" is the past tense, meaning the action has already been completed. You notarize a document (present), or you have notarized a document (past). Most of the time you will see the past tense form on completed paperwork.

Can I spell it "notary-ized" or with a hyphen?

No. The correct spelling is one word with no hyphen: notarized. Hyphens are not used in this word in standard American English, and using one would be considered incorrect on official documents.

What if I already submitted a document with the wrong spelling?

Contact the organization or notary that received it and ask whether the misspelling will cause a problem. In most cases, the notary's seal and signature matter more than the spelling of the word itself, so the document may still be accepted. If there is concern, you can prepare a corrected version and resubmit it.