What a notary actually does

A notary watches you sign a document and confirms that you are who you say you are. They do not read the document, judge whether it is fair, or check whether you understand what you are signing. They verify three things only: your identity, that you signed the document in front of them, and that you did so willingly and without pressure.

The notary then stamps the document with their official seal and signs it themselves. That seal and signature tell whoever reads the document later — a bank, a court, a government office — that a licensed person witnessed the signing. It does not mean the document is legal or correct. It means someone official saw it happen.

Key Takeaways

  • A notary verifies your identity by checking a government-issued ID, watches you sign, and confirms you are doing so willingly.
  • The notary stamps and signs the document to create an official record that the signing took place in front of a witness.
  • You must be present in person; notaries cannot notarize documents you sign elsewhere or mail in.
  • The cost is usually between $5 and $25 per signature, depending on your state and the notary's location.
  • Banks, law offices, and shipping stores like UPS and FedEx often have notaries on staff or can refer you to one.

The step-by-step process when you visit a notary

Bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will examine it to confirm your identity matches the name on the document you are signing. They will ask you to confirm your name and address aloud.

The notary will then ask you to sign the document in front of them. You must sign it yourself; they cannot sign for you. If the document has multiple pages or multiple signature lines, you sign each one while the notary watches. The notary will ask you directly: "Are you signing this of your own free will, without anyone forcing you?" You answer yes or no.

Once you have signed, the notary stamps the document with their official seal, which includes their name, commission number, and the date the commission expires. They sign the document themselves and may write the time and location. Some documents require a notary's thumbprint as well. The notary keeps a record of the transaction in a journal they maintain.

Which documents need notarizing

Powers of attorney almost always require notarization. These documents let someone else make decisions on your behalf — medical decisions, financial decisions, or both. A notarized power of attorney carries more weight than an unsigned one because the notary has confirmed you signed it willingly.

Affidavits — sworn statements you make under penalty of perjury — require notarization. Loan documents, mortgage papers, and deed transfers often require it. Some states require notarization for wills, though not all do. Adoption papers, guardianship documents, and certain real estate transactions typically need it.

Your document may say "notarize before a notary public" or "have notarized" somewhere on it. If you are unsure, ask the person or organization requesting the document. They will tell you whether notarization is required and what type.

Where to find a notary

Your bank almost certainly has a notary on staff, and many banks notarize documents for customers at no charge. Call ahead to confirm the notary is available and to ask about hours. Some banks charge a small fee even for customers.

Law offices employ notaries and will notarize documents for a fee, usually $10 to $25 per signature. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some shipping centers have notaries available. Search "notary public near me" online to find local options, or call your county clerk's office — they maintain a list of commissioned notaries in your area and can often notarize documents themselves.

Some employers have notaries on staff. If you work for a large company or government agency, ask your human resources or administrative office. Libraries sometimes have notaries available, though this varies by location.

What you need to bring

Bring the unsigned document. Do not sign it before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign. Bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will not accept an expired ID in most states, so check the expiration date before you go.

Bring payment if the notary charges a fee. Most notaries accept cash, and some accept cards. Ask when you call or arrive. If the document requires a thumbprint, the notary will provide an ink pad; you do not need to bring anything for that.

How long it takes and what it costs

The notarization itself takes five to ten minutes. The notary will examine your ID, ask you questions, watch you sign, and stamp the document. If you are notarizing multiple documents or multiple signature pages, add a few minutes for each one.

The cost varies by state. Some states set a maximum fee — often around $5 to $10 per signature — while others allow notaries to charge what they wish. Banks may notarize for free if you are a customer. Law offices and independent notaries typically charge $10 to $25 per signature. Call ahead to ask the fee before you go.

What notarization does and does not do

Notarization does not make a document legal. It does not check whether the document is written correctly, whether it follows the law, or whether you understand what you are signing. It does not may provide the document will be accepted by a court or government office. It straightforward creates an official record that you signed it in front of a witness.

Notarization does not prevent fraud. If you are tricked into signing a document, the notary's seal does not protect you. The notary's job is to confirm you signed it willingly, not to protect you from your own decisions. If you are unsure about a document, ask a lawyer before you sign, not a notary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document I signed before I came in?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it in front of the notary.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

Most notaries will not proceed without one. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, get a state ID card from your local DMV or equivalent office. Some notaries may accept other forms of ID in rare cases, but this is uncommon and varies by state. Call ahead and ask.

Can someone notarize a document for a family member?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document for a spouse, parent, child, or anyone else they are related to by blood or marriage. Many states also prohibit a notary from notarizing for someone who lives in their household. The notary must be impartial and have no financial interest in the document.

Do I need a notary if the document says "notarize before a notary public"?

Yes. That language means notarization is required for the document to be valid. If it is missing, the document may be rejected by a court or government office. If the document does not mention notarization, it is usually optional.

What happens if I lose the notarized document?

You will need to get the notary to create a certified copy from their journal record, or you will need to sign a new copy and have it notarized again. Call the notary and ask whether they keep records and how long. Some notaries keep records for several years; others keep them longer.