A notary verifies your identity and watches you sign documents
A notary public is a person authorized by your state to witness signatures and verify 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 to confirm your identity using government-issued ID, watch you sign in front of them, and then stamp and sign the document themselves to prove they did this.
The notary's seal and signature tell whoever receives the document later that a neutral third party saw the signing happen. This matters because many documents—real estate deeds, power of attorney forms, loan papers, affidavits—carry legal weight only if a notary has witnessed them. Without that witness, the other party has no proof you actually signed, or that you were the person who signed.
Notaries work in banks, law offices, UPS stores, shipping centers, and as independent contractors. Some charge $5 to $15 per signature; others charge by the document or by the hour. Fees vary by state and by location.
Key Takeaways
- A notary checks your government-issued ID and watches you sign a document to confirm you are who you say you are.
- The notary then stamps and signs the document to create a record that this witnessing took place.
- Many legal documents—deeds, powers of attorney, loan documents—require a notary's seal to be valid.
- You can find notaries at banks, law offices, shipping centers, and through independent notary services in your area.
- Notaries do not read documents, give legal information, or decide whether you should sign something.
The notary checks your ID and confirms your identity
Before anything else happens, the notary will ask to see a government-issued photo ID. This is usually a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary compares the photo and name on the ID to your face and the name on the document you are about to sign. They are checking that you are the person named in the document and that you are signing of your own free will.
If you do not have a government-issued ID, some notaries will accept other forms of identification, but this varies by state and by notary. It is safest to bring a driver's license or passport. If you have moved recently or your ID is expired, bring it anyway—many notaries will still accept it as long as the photo is recognizable.
The notary will also ask you to sign the document in front of them. They need to see your actual signature, not a signature you made earlier. This is the core of the notary's job: witnessing the act of signing.
The notary stamps and signs to create proof of witnessing
After you sign, the notary will stamp the document with an official notary seal. This seal includes the notary's name, the state they are commissioned in, their notary number, and an expiration date. The notary will also sign the document and often write the date and location where the notarization took place.
Some notaries keep a journal or log of every document they notarize, recording the date, the signer's name, the type of document, and the ID used. This creates a paper trail. If someone later questions whether the document was really notarized, the notary's journal can be checked.
The notary seal is what makes the document official. When a bank, court, government office, or other organization receives the document, they look for that seal and signature. If the seal is there and matches the notary's commission, they know a notary witnessed the signing.
Different types of notarizations serve different purposes
Not all notarizations are the same. The most common type is a jurat, where the notary watches you sign and confirms your identity. Another type is a certification of copy, where the notary watches you sign a statement that a photocopy is a true copy of an original document. A acknowledgment is when the notary confirms that you signed a document and that you did so willingly.
Some documents require a specific type of notarization. A real estate deed usually needs an acknowledgment. A court affidavit usually needs a jurat. Power of attorney documents can require either, depending on your state. When you bring a document to a notary, tell them what you are using it for, and they will perform the correct type of notarization.
A few states also allow notaries to perform remote notarizations using video conferencing. The notary watches you sign on camera, verifies your ID through the screen, and sends you a digitally notarized copy. This is not available everywhere, so check your state's rules before assuming you can do this.
What a notary cannot do
A notary is not a lawyer and cannot give legal information. They cannot tell you whether you should sign a document, what the document means, or what your rights are. If you have questions about the content of a document, you need to talk to a lawyer, not a notary.
A notary also cannot notarize a document if they have a financial interest in it. If the document affects the notary's money or property, they cannot be the witness. Similarly, a notary cannot notarize a document for a family member in most states, because the relationship creates a conflict of interest.
A notary cannot notarize a blank document or a document with blanks that you fill in after the notarization. The document must be complete and ready to sign when you bring it to the notary. If you need to add information later, you will need a new notarization.
Where to find a notary in your area
Banks often have notaries on staff, and many will notarize documents for customers for free or a small fee. Call ahead to ask if they offer this service and whether you need an appointment. Law offices almost always have notaries available, though they may charge a fee.
UPS stores, FedEx locations, and other shipping centers often have notaries. Some Walmart locations and pharmacy counters also offer notary services. Search online for "notary near me" to find independent notaries in your area. Many will come to your home or office for an additional fee.
If you need a notarization urgently, call ahead rather than showing up without an appointment. Some notaries are busy and may not be able to see you right away. Having your ID and the complete, unsigned document ready will speed up the process.
What to bring when you visit a notary
Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned and complete. Do not sign it before you arrive; the notary needs to watch you sign. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them.
Bring cash or a card to pay the notary's fee, unless you know the service is free. Some notaries accept only cash. If you are unsure about the fee, call ahead and ask.
If you are having a document notarized for a specific purpose—a real estate transaction, a court case, a loan—tell the notary what you are using it for. This helps them perform the correct type of notarization and spot any problems before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary notarize a document I signed before I came to see them?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get an unsigned copy and sign it in the notary's presence.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
Most notaries require a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, ask the notary whether they will accept other forms of identification. Rules vary by state. In some cases, a notary can use a credible witness—someone who knows you and can vouch for your identity—but this is not available everywhere.
How long does a notarization take?
A straightforward notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The notary checks your ID, watches you sign, stamps the document, and signs it themselves. If the document is long or complex, or if the notary needs to write detailed notes, it may take longer.
Can a notary notarize a document for someone else on my behalf?
No. The person whose name is on the document must be present and must sign it in front of the notary. The notary cannot notarize a signature that someone else made, and they cannot notarize a document you sign on someone else's behalf.
Do I need a notary for every legal document?
No. Some documents require notarization by law; others do not. Real estate deeds, powers of attorney, and court affidavits usually require notarization. Contracts, letters, and straightforward agreements often do not. Check the document itself or ask the person who gave it to you whether notarization is required.