A public notary witnesses your signature and confirms your identity
A public notary is a person licensed by your state to watch you sign a document, check your ID, and then stamp and sign the paper themselves. That stamp and signature say: "I watched this person sign this, I checked who they are, and they appeared to understand what they were signing." The notary does not read the document, does not give legal information, and does not decide whether the deal is fair. They straightforward verify that you are who you say you are and that you signed it yourself, not under pressure.
The notary's mark—usually a raised seal, a stamp, or both—tells banks, courts, and government offices that the signature is genuine. Many documents require a notary's mark before they are legally valid. Without it, a bank will not accept a power of attorney. A court will not file a sworn statement. A government office will not process a deed.
Key Takeaways
- A notary watches you sign, checks your ID, and stamps the document to confirm the signature is real and voluntary.
- Notaries do not give legal information, do not read or interpret documents, and do not decide whether a deal is fair.
- Many documents—powers of attorney, affidavits, deeds, loan papers—require a notary's mark to be legally valid.
- You can find a notary at banks, law offices, UPS stores, and some libraries; fees usually run $5 to $15 per signature.
- You must bring a current government-issued ID and sign the document in front of the notary—they cannot notarize a signature you made earlier.
What a notary checks before they stamp your document
Before a notary will mark your paper, they verify three things. First, they look at your ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card—to confirm you are the person named in the document. Second, they watch you sign the document yourself, right there in front of them. Third, they ask you basic questions to make sure you understand what you are signing and that nobody is forcing you to do it.
The notary writes down the date, the type of ID you showed, and sometimes your address. They keep a record in a journal, which they are required by law to maintain. If a document is later challenged in court, that journal can prove the notary did their job correctly.
The notary does not check whether the document is legal, whether the terms are fair, or whether you should sign it. They do not read the fine print. They do not give information. If you ask a notary whether a contract is a good deal, they will tell you to speak to a lawyer. Their job is only to confirm identity and witness the signature.
Documents that commonly need a notary
Powers of attorney—papers that let someone else handle your finances or medical decisions—almost always require a notary. Affidavits, which are sworn statements you sign under penalty of perjury, need one. Real estate deeds, mortgage documents, and loan applications often do. Adoption papers, guardianship forms, and some medical directives require notarization.
Some documents need notarization because state law says so. Others because the bank or government office receiving them will not accept them without it. If you are unsure whether your document needs a notary, ask the person or organization requesting it. They will tell you.
A few documents—like wills in some states—can be notarized, but the law does not require it. Notarizing them anyway can make them easier to file or harder to challenge later, so some people do it for extra protection.
Where to find a notary and what it costs
Banks often have notaries on staff, and many will notarize documents for customers for free or a small fee. Law offices employ notaries and charge a fee, usually $5 to $15 per signature. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacy chains offer notary services for a fee. Some libraries have notaries available to the public, sometimes free and sometimes for a small charge.
Search online for "notary near me" or call ahead to confirm hours and fees. Some notaries work by appointment only. If you need the document notarized urgently, call first rather than showing up and finding the notary is booked or closed.
A few states allow notaries to work remotely using video conferencing, though this is not yet common everywhere. If you cannot leave your home, ask whether remote notarization is available in your state.
What you need to bring to a notary appointment
Bring a current government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary must see it and verify it matches your name. Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned. You will sign it in front of the notary, not before.
If the document is long or complex, read it before you go so you understand what you are signing. The notary will not explain it to you, and you will not have time to read it carefully while the notary is watching. If you have questions about what the document means or whether you should sign it, bring it to a lawyer first.
Some notaries ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, especially if your ID looks worn or if you are a new customer. Call ahead and ask what they need.
What happens if a notary refuses to notarize your document
A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they have reason to believe you are signing under duress, if your ID does not match the name on the paper, or if you appear confused about what you are signing. A notary can also refuse if the document is blank, if you will not sign it in front of them, or if they suspect fraud.
If a notary refuses, they will tell you why. You can ask to speak to a manager or find a different notary, but if multiple notaries refuse, that is a sign something is wrong with the document or the situation. Do not pressure a notary to ignore their concerns. Their refusal protects you as much as it protects them.
The difference between notarization and other types of witnessing
Notarization is not the same as having someone witness your signature. A witness straightforward watches you sign and signs their own name as proof they saw you do it. A notary does that, but also checks your ID and keeps an official record. A notary's mark carries legal weight that a witness's signature does not.
Some documents ask for both—a notary and one or more witnesses. A will, for example, may need to be signed in front of two witnesses and then notarized. Follow the document's instructions exactly. If it says "notarized," do not just have a witness sign. If it says "witnessed," a notary is not necessary unless the document also asks for notarization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary notarize a document I signed yesterday?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document. If you signed it before the appointment, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy, bring it unsigned, and sign it in front of the notary.
What if I cannot get to a notary in person?
Some states now allow remote notarization using video conferencing, where the notary watches you sign on camera and verifies your ID electronically. This is not available everywhere yet. Check your state's notary laws or ask a notary whether they offer this service.
Does a notary's stamp make a document legally binding?
A notary's stamp confirms the signature is real and voluntary, but it does not make the document legally binding on its own. A contract is binding because both parties agreed to it, not because a notary stamped it. The stamp straightforward proves the signature is genuine.
Can a family member be a notary for me?
Most states allow a notary to notarize documents for family members, but some states prohibit it. Check your state's rules. Even where it is allowed, some people avoid it to prevent questions about bias later. If possible, use a notary with no connection to you.
What if I lose the notarized document after the notary stamps it?
You can ask the notary for a certified copy from their journal, though they may charge a fee. If the original is lost and you need proof it was notarized, the notary's journal record can serve as evidence. Keep notarized documents in a safe place.