A notary verifies your identity and watches you sign documents

A notary public is a person authorized by your state to witness signatures and confirm that the person signing a document is who they claim to be. They do not read the document, give legal information, or decide whether you should sign it. Their job is narrow: they check your ID, watch you sign, and then stamp and sign the document themselves to prove they saw it happen.

Notaries exist because some documents matter too much to leave unsigned. A bank needs proof you actually signed your mortgage. A court needs proof you signed an affidavit yourself, not someone else pretending to be you. A notary's stamp says: "I looked at this person's driver's license. I watched them sign. I am swearing under penalty of perjury that this is true."

Key Takeaways

  • A notary checks your photo ID, watches you sign a document in front of them, and stamps it to prove the signature is genuine.
  • The five main tasks notaries perform are witnessing signatures, taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, certifying copies, and taking affidavits.
  • Notaries cannot give legal information, tell you whether to sign something, or notarize a document you signed before they saw you.
  • You can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some government offices; many charge $5 to $15 per signature.
  • Each state sets its own rules for what notaries can do, so a notary in one state may not be able to perform the same task in another.

Witnessing a signature on the spot

The most common notary task is watching you sign a document right there in front of them. You bring the unsigned document, show your ID, and sign it while the notary watches. They then add their own signature, stamp, and seal to confirm they saw it happen.

This is what banks use when you sign a mortgage or a loan document. It is what courts use when you swear an affidavit is true. The notary is not checking whether the document is real or whether you understand what you are signing—they are only confirming that you are the person on the ID and that you signed it yourself.

Taking acknowledgments

An acknowledgment is a notary's written statement that you appeared before them and signed a document. It is different from witnessing a signature because the document may already be signed when you bring it to the notary. Your job is to tell the notary: "Yes, I signed this, and I did it of my own free will."

Acknowledgments are used for deeds, powers of attorney, and other documents that will be filed with a government office. The notary asks you questions like "Did you sign this document?" and "Are you signing it because you want to, not because anyone forced you?" Then they write a short statement saying you answered yes, and they stamp it.

Administering oaths and affidavits

When you swear an oath in front of a notary, you are promising that what you are about to say is true, and you understand that lying under oath is a crime. The notary asks you to raise your hand and repeat the oath, then watches you sign a document (called an affidavit) stating the facts you just swore to.

Courts use affidavits when they need written proof of something but do not need you to testify in person. A notary's role is to make sure you understood the oath and signed the affidavit yourself. They are not checking whether what you said is actually true—that is the court's job later.

Certifying copies of documents

Some notaries can certify that a photocopy is a true copy of an original document. You bring both the original and the copy, the notary compares them, and if they match, the notary stamps the copy and signs it. This tells whoever receives the copy that a notary looked at the original and confirmed the copy is accurate.

Not all states allow notaries to certify copies, and the rules vary widely. Some states let notaries certify any document; others only allow it for certain types. Before you pay for a certified copy, ask the notary whether your state allows it and whether the organization that needs the copy will accept it.

What notaries cannot do

A notary cannot give legal information. They cannot tell you whether a document is fair, whether you should sign it, or what it means. If you need that kind of help, you need a lawyer, not a notary.

A notary cannot notarize a document you signed before you came to see them. The signature must happen in front of the notary. They also cannot notarize a blank document or a document with blanks you plan to fill in later. And they cannot notarize a document if you do not have a current photo ID with you.

Each state sets its own rules for what notaries can and cannot do. Some states allow notaries to take acknowledgments but not administer oaths. Others have different rules about certified copies. If you need something notarized, ask the notary what your state allows before you assume they can do it.

Where to find a notary and what it costs

Banks often have notaries on staff, and they may notarize documents for free if you are a customer. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some law offices offer notary services for a fee, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Some government offices, like county clerk's offices, have notaries available, sometimes for free or a small charge.

You can search for notaries online by typing "notary near me" into a search engine, or you can call ahead to confirm they are available and ask what they charge. Bring a current photo ID and the unsigned document. If the document has blanks, fill them in before you arrive—the notary will not do it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document I signed last week?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you signed it before you came to the notary, they cannot notarize it. You will need to get a new copy and sign it again in front of the notary.

Do I need a notary for a will?

It depends on your state. Some states require a will to be notarized; others do not. Check with your state's court system or a lawyer to find out what your state requires. A notary cannot give you legal information about whether your will is valid.

Can a notary refuse to notarize something?

Yes. A notary can refuse if you do not have a photo ID, if the document is already signed, if you seem confused or under pressure, or if the notary believes the document is being used for fraud. Notaries are responsible for what they notarize, so they can say no.

What if I need something notarized but I cannot leave my house?

Some notaries offer mobile or remote notary services and will come to you or notarize documents online using video. Ask when you search for a notary whether they offer this service. Fees are usually higher than in-person notarization.

Is a notary stamp the same as a signature?

No. A notary stamp proves that a notary watched you sign and confirmed your identity. It does not prove the document is legal or that you understand what you signed. The stamp is evidence that the signature is genuine, not that the document itself is valid.