What happens when you get a document notarized

When you get a document notarized, a notary public watches you sign it, checks your identity, and then adds their official stamp and signature to confirm they saw you do it. The notary does not read the document, judge whether it is a good idea, or verify that the facts in it are true. They only confirm that the person signing is who they claim to be and that the signing happened in front of them.

A notarized document carries legal weight because it creates an official record that the signature is genuine. Banks, courts, government agencies, and title companies often require notarization before they will accept a document. Without it, a signature is just a signature—anyone could have signed it, or the person could later claim they never did.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) because the notary must verify your identity before witnessing your signature.
  • Sign the document in front of the notary—never sign it beforehand, because the notary must watch you do it.
  • Find a notary through your bank, a local notary service, UPS Store, or courthouse; fees typically range from $5 to $25 per signature depending on location and the notary.
  • Bring the unsigned document and know which pages need to be notarized, because some documents require notarization on only certain pages or sections.
  • The notary will add their stamp, signature, and seal to the document and may keep a record in their journal, which creates an official trail if the document is ever questioned.

What you need to bring

Bring a government-issued photo ID. The notary will not notarize your document without one. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must not be expired, and the name on it must match the name on the document you are signing. If your name has changed since your ID was issued, bring both your old ID and a recent document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Bring the unsigned document itself. Do not sign it before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it in their presence—that is the entire point. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it and you will have wasted the trip. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs the notary's stamp.

Bring any other documents the notary asks for. Some notarizations require extra proof. For example, if you are signing a power of attorney, the notary may ask to see proof that you understand what you are signing. Read any instructions that came with your document, or call the notary ahead of time and ask what to bring.

Where to find a notary

Your bank is often the fastest option. Most banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge a small fee (usually $5 to $10) to non-customers. Call your branch and ask if they have a notary on staff and whether you need an appointment. Many banks can notarize documents the same day.

UPS Store locations and FedEx Office locations employ notaries. You can search for a nearby location on their websites and call ahead to confirm hours and fees. Fees are typically $10 to $15 per signature. Some locations require an appointment; others take walk-ins.

Courthouse clerk offices notarize documents, usually for $5 to $10. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether you need an appointment, because some courthouses handle notarizations on a first-come, first-served basis and others require you to schedule.

Independent notary services and mobile notaries will come to your home or office. Search online for "notary public near me" or check your state's notary directory (each state maintains a list of licensed notaries). Fees are higher—usually $25 to $50—because the notary travels to you, but this option works well if you cannot leave home or need notarization outside normal business hours.

What happens during the notarization

The notary will ask you to show your ID and will examine it carefully. They are checking that the photo matches your face and that the ID is not expired. They may ask you questions to confirm your identity, such as your address or date of birth. Answer honestly—the notary is creating a record that they verified who you are.

The notary will ask you to read the document or will ask whether you have read it. You do not have to read it aloud, but you should confirm that you understand what you are signing. The notary will not explain the document or give you legal information, but they may ask you basic questions like "Do you understand what this document says?" to confirm you are signing of your own free will.

You will sign the document in front of the notary. Sign exactly as your name appears on your ID. If your ID says "Robert James Smith" but you usually sign "Bob Smith," sign it as "Robert James Smith" this time. The notary will then add their official stamp, signature, and the date. Some notaries will also record the notarization in a journal they keep—this creates an official record that the notarization happened.

Different types of notarization

A standard notarization (also called a "jurat") is the most common type. You sign the document in front of the notary, they watch you do it, and they stamp it. This is what most banks, courts, and government agencies require.

An acknowledgment is a notarization where you confirm that you signed the document and that it is your act. The notary watches you sign and asks you to acknowledge that you did so willingly. Acknowledgments are common for real estate documents, powers of attorney, and affidavits.

A copy certification is when a notary certifies that a photocopy is a true copy of an original document. You bring both the original and the copy, the notary compares them, and then stamps the copy. This is useful when you need to send a certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, or other important document.

Some documents require notarization with a witness. The notary watches you sign while another person (the witness) is also present. This is common for wills and some legal agreements. Ask the organization requesting the notarization whether a witness is required.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not sign the document before you meet the notary. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. The whole purpose is for the notary to watch you sign. If you have already signed, you will need a blank copy of the document and will have to start over.

Do not bring an expired ID. The notary will turn you away. If your ID is expired, renew it before your notarization appointment, or bring an alternative form of government-issued photo ID.

Do not assume the notary will know which pages need to be notarized. Read your document or the instructions that came with it, and tell the notary exactly which pages or sections need the stamp. Some documents have multiple signature lines, and only certain ones may require notarization.

Do not expect the notary to explain the document or give legal information. If you do not understand what you are signing, ask a lawyer before you go to the notary. The notary's job is to verify your identity and witness your signature, not to explain the legal meaning of the document.

What to do after notarization

Keep the notarized document in a safe place. The notary's stamp and signature are proof that the document was notarized on a specific date. If you lose it, you will have to get the document notarized again.

Send the notarized document to whoever requested it—the bank, court, government agency, or title company. Include any cover letter or instructions that came with the original request. Some organizations have specific mailing addresses or online portals for receiving notarized documents; check the instructions before you mail it.

Keep a copy for your records. If the document is important (a power of attorney, deed, or legal agreement), make a photocopy and keep it with your other important papers. This way, you have a record of what was notarized and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. A passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. The ID must be government-issued, have your photo on it, and not be expired. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's notary board to ask what alternative forms of ID they accept.

How much does notarization cost?

Fees vary by location and notary. Banks often notarize for free if you are a customer, or $5 to $10 if you are not. UPS Store and FedEx Office charge $10 to $15. Courthouse clerk offices charge $5 to $10. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $50 because they travel to you. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go.

Can someone else sign the document for me if I cannot be there?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document yourself. If you are unable to sign in person, some states allow a notary to notarize a signature made by a mark (an X or thumbprint) if you are physically unable to write. Contact a notary in your state to ask whether this option is available.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

Once notarized, a document does not expire. The notarization is a record that you signed it on a specific date in front of a notary. However, the organization that requested the notarization may have its own rules about how old a notarized document can be before they will accept it. Some banks or government agencies require notarization within 30 or 60 days of submission. Check the instructions that came with your document.

What if I make a mistake while signing?

Tell the notary when ready. Do not cross out the mistake or try to fix it. The notary will likely ask you to sign a new copy of the document. Bringing a blank copy is a good idea in case this happens.