Lawyers and notaries are not the same thing, and most lawyers are not notaries
A lawyer is licensed to practice law — to represent clients in court, draft legal documents, and give legal information. A notary is licensed to witness signatures, verify identity, and certify that a document was signed in front of them. These are separate credentials earned through different training and exams. A lawyer may also become a notary, but the two jobs are distinct, and many lawyers choose not to.
The confusion happens because both require state licensing and both deal with documents. But a notary cannot give legal information or represent you in court, and a lawyer does not have to notarize documents as part of their job. If you need a document notarized, you do not need to hire a lawyer — a notary public will do it for less money and faster.
Key Takeaways
- A lawyer holds a law degree and license to practice law; a notary holds a separate notary commission and can only witness signatures and verify identity.
- Some lawyers also hold notary commissions, but most do not, and being a lawyer does not automatically make someone a notary.
- You do not need a lawyer to notarize a document — any commissioned notary public can do it, and it costs far less.
- If you need both legal information and a notarized signature, you may work with a lawyer who is also a notary, but you can also hire them separately.
When a lawyer might also be a notary
Some lawyers choose to become notaries because their clients often need documents notarized. A lawyer who handles real estate closings, wills, or powers of attorney may find it convenient to notarize the signature themselves rather than sending the client elsewhere. This saves time and keeps the work in one place.
To become a notary, a lawyer must still explore for a notary commission through their state — the law license does not grant it automatically. They pay a fee, pass a notary exam (which is separate from the bar exam), and renew the commission every few years. Some lawyers do this; many do not, because notarizing is not a major part of their practice.
What a notary can and cannot do
A notary can witness your signature, check your ID, and certify that you signed the document in front of them. They can notarize almost any document — affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, passport applications, and many others. They cannot, however, explain what the document means, tell you whether you should sign it, or advise you on the legal consequences.
If a document requires notarization and legal information, you may need both a notary and a lawyer. You can hire a lawyer to explain the document and advise you, then take it to any notary (including one at a bank or shipping store) to have it notarized. Or you can work with a lawyer who is also a notary and have both services in one appointment.
Where to find a notary if your lawyer is not one
Notaries work in banks, law offices, shipping stores, real estate offices, and as independent contractors. Many are not lawyers. You can search for a notary public in your area through your state's notary directory, or call your bank — most branches have a notary on staff and will notarize documents for customers at no charge or for a small fee.
If you need a notary quickly, a shipping store or UPS location usually has one available same-day. The cost is typically $5 to $15 per signature. You do not need to hire a lawyer for this service unless you also need legal information about the document itself.
The difference in cost and time
Hiring a lawyer costs $150 to $400 per hour or more, depending on the lawyer and your location. A notary charges $5 to $25 per signature, usually as a flat fee. If you only need a signature notarized, using a notary public saves you money and time.
If you need both legal information and notarization, the cost depends on what the lawyer charges. Some lawyers who are also notaries charge their full hourly rate for the appointment; others charge a lower rate for the notary work alone. Ask before you book.
How to know if your lawyer is a notary
Ask directly. Call the law office and say, "Is [lawyer name] a notary public?" They will tell you yes or no. If the answer is yes, ask whether they notarize documents as part of their service and what they charge. If the answer is no, they can refer you to a notary or you can find one yourself.
You can also check your state's notary directory online. Most states publish a searchable list of commissioned notaries. If your lawyer's name appears on it, they are a notary. If not, they are not.
When you might want a lawyer who is also a notary
If you are signing a complex legal document — a will, a power of attorney, a real estate deed — and you want legal information before you sign, working with a lawyer who is also a notary can be efficient. You get the information and the notarization in one meeting. The lawyer can explain the document, answer your questions, and then notarize your signature without you having to go elsewhere.
This is most useful for estate planning, real estate transactions, and business documents where the stakes are high and you want to be sure you understand what you are signing. For simpler documents that just need a notarized signature, a notary public is usually the faster and cheaper choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary give me legal information about a document?
No. A notary can only witness your signature and verify your identity. They cannot explain what a document means, tell you whether you should sign it, or advise you on the legal consequences. If you need legal information, you must consult a lawyer.
Do I need a lawyer to notarize my power of attorney?
No. Any notary public can notarize a power of attorney. However, if you want legal information about what powers you are granting or whether the document is right for your situation, you should talk to a lawyer before you have it notarized.
If my lawyer is a notary, do they have to notarize my documents?
No. Being a notary is optional, and a lawyer who holds a notary commission can choose which documents to notarize and which to decline. Some lawyers notarize only for their own clients; others do not notarize at all.
What if I need a document notarized but my lawyer is not available?
You can use any notary public. Banks, shipping stores, and real estate offices all have notaries on staff. Search your state's notary directory online or call your bank to find one near you. The cost is usually $5 to $15 per signature.
Can I notarize a document myself?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document they are signing themselves — they must be a neutral third party. You must use a different notary to witness your signature.