A notary verifies your identity and watches you sign
A notary public is a person licensed by your state to watch you sign a document and confirm that you are who you say you are. They do not read the document, give legal information, or decide whether the deal is fair. They only check your ID, make sure you are signing of your own free will, and stamp the paper to prove they saw it happen.
The stamp and signature matter because they create an official record. If someone later claims you never signed something, or that you were forced into it, the notary's mark shows a licensed witness was there. Banks, courts, and government offices trust notary stamps because notaries are bonded — if they lie or break the rules, the state can fine them or pull their license.
You do not need a notary for most everyday documents. A lease between you and a landlord does not need one. A contract with a contractor does not need one. But certain documents — deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, loan papers — often require a notary by law or by the institution asking for them.
Key Takeaways
- A notary watches you sign and checks your ID to prove the signature is real and voluntary.
- Banks, courts, and government offices often require notarized documents because the notary's stamp creates an official record.
- You can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some libraries — many charge between $5 and $25 per signature.
- A notary cannot give legal information, explain what a document means, or refuse to notarize something just because they think it is a bad idea.
- You must bring a government-issued photo ID and sign the document in front of the notary — they cannot notarize a signature that is already on the page.
When a document needs to be notarized
Real estate transactions almost always require notarized deeds and mortgage documents. If you are buying or selling a house, the title company or lender will tell you which papers need a notary, and they often have one on staff or can refer you to one.
Powers of attorney — documents that let someone else make decisions for you — usually need notarization. This includes healthcare powers of attorney, financial powers of attorney, and durable powers of attorney. The reason is that these documents give someone serious control over your life or money, so the state wants proof you actually signed them and understood what you were doing.
Affidavits, which are sworn statements you make under penalty of perjury, require a notary. Court documents, loan applications, and some government forms also ask for notarization. If you are not sure whether something needs one, ask the person or office requesting it — they will tell you.
What happens when you go to a notary
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm you are the person whose name is on the document. They will ask you to sign the paper in front of them. They will not read it or ask what it says; they only watch you sign and make sure you are doing it willingly.
The notary will then stamp the document, sign it, and write down the date and the type of ID you showed. Some notaries also record your thumbprint. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. You will pay a fee — typically $5 to $25 per signature, though some states set a maximum and others do not.
If you need multiple documents notarized, bring them all at once. The notary will notarize each one separately, and you will pay for each signature. If a document has blanks that you have not filled in yet, the notary will usually ask you to fill them in before signing, because they need to see the final version.
Where to find a notary
Banks often have notaries on staff for customers, sometimes for free. Call your bank and ask whether they offer notary services and whether you need an appointment. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some CVS pharmacies have notaries available to the public for a fee.
Law offices, title companies, and real estate offices employ notaries. If you are working with a lawyer or buying a house, ask them to notarize your documents — they may do it as part of their service. Some libraries and county clerk offices also have notaries, though hours and availability vary widely.
You can search for notaries online by typing "notary near me" or "notary public [your city]" into a search engine. Many notaries work independently and advertise their services locally. If you need a notary for a loan or real estate deal, the lender or title company will usually direct you to one or provide one.
What a notary cannot do
A notary cannot give legal information or explain what a document means. If you do not understand what you are signing, ask a lawyer before you go to the notary — the notary cannot help you. They also cannot refuse to notarize something because they think it is a bad idea or unfair. Their job is only to verify your identity and watch you sign.
A notary cannot notarize a document that is already signed. You must sign it in front of them. If you signed it before arriving, they will ask you to sign again. They also cannot notarize a blank document or one with blanks you have not filled in, because they need to see what you are actually signing.
A notary cannot notarize a document for themselves or for a close family member in most states. The rules vary, so ask the notary before you arrive if you are related to them. They also cannot notarize something if they do not believe you are signing willingly — if you seem confused or under pressure, they can refuse.
Notarization versus other types of verification
A certified copy is different from a notarized document. A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that a government office or notary has stamped to say the copy matches the original. You might need a certified copy of a birth certificate or diploma. A notary can make certified copies, but not all notaries offer this service.
An apostille is a special stamp used for documents that will be used in another country. It is similar to notarization but follows international rules. If you need a document for use abroad, ask whether you need an apostille or a notary — they are not the same thing.
A witnessed signature is straightforward having someone watch you sign. It is not the same as notarization because a witness does not have to be licensed or bonded, and their signature does not carry the same legal weight. Some documents ask for both a notary and a witness.
Cost and how long it takes
Notary fees range from $5 to $25 per signature in most states, though some states set a maximum fee and others do not. Banks may notarize for free if you are a customer. UPS stores and pharmacies typically charge $10 to $15. Independent notaries and law offices may charge more, especially if you need them to travel to you.
The notarization itself takes only a few minutes. However, finding a notary and getting an appointment may take longer. Some notaries work by appointment only; others accept walk-ins. If you need a notary for a time-sensitive document, call ahead to confirm they are available and ask about their hours.
If you need a notary outside normal business hours, some cities have mobile notaries who will come to your home or office for a higher fee. Search online for "mobile notary [your city]" to find one. For real estate closings and major transactions, the lender or title company will arrange the notary as part of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document online?
Some states allow remote notarization using video conferencing, but rules vary widely. The notary will watch you on camera, verify your ID, and send you a digitally signed document. Not all notaries offer this service, and not all documents can be notarized remotely. Ask the person requesting the notarization whether remote notarization is acceptable.
What if I do not have a photo ID?
Most notaries require a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you cannot be notarized by a standard notary. Some states allow notaries to use alternative identification methods, such as a combination of documents or a credible witness who knows you. Call the notary ahead of time to ask what they will accept.
Can a notary notarize a signature that someone else signed for me?
No. A notary must watch you sign in person. If someone else signed your name, that is not a valid notarization. You must be present and sign the document yourself in front of the notary.
Do I need a notary if the document is already signed by the other person?
Yes, if notarization is required. The notary needs to watch you sign, regardless of whether the other party has already signed. Both signatures may need to be notarized separately, depending on the document and who is requesting it.
What happens if a notary makes a mistake on the stamp or signature?
Ask the notary to correct it. If they made an error, they should fix it or notarize a corrected version. If you discover the error later, contact the notary and ask them to issue a corrected notarization. Keep the original in case you need to show what happened.