An example of a notarized document is any document with a notarial certificate attached, such as a deed, power of attorney or affidavit. The certificate shows the state and county, the date, who appeared before the notary, the notary’s statement, and the notary’s signature and seal. Notarization confirms who signed and that they signed willingly; it does not by itself make an agreement legally binding.
Navigating the area of law and legal documents can be distressing, however comprehending what a notarized document means will make the process less complicated. A notarized document is a signed document that a notary public has witnessed, with a certificate showing who signed, when, and where. Notarization does not by itself make an agreement legally binding.
Whether you are buying a home, finalizing a will, or granting a power of attorney, notarization adds a record of who signed and when. This guide shows what a notarized document contains, with an example certificate, and how to get one.
What Is An Example Notarized Document?
Provided below are examples of documents that are commonly notarized by a notary public to help confirm the signer’s identity. Such documents play pivotal roles in various legal and official transactions.
- Deeds: The deed is a document in real estate that transfers property ownership, and notarization is generally required before the county will record it, as in California under Government Code § 27287.
- Wills: A will usually does not need a notary to be valid. A notary comes in for a self-proving affidavit, which the testator and witnesses swear before a notary so the will can be admitted to probate without the witnesses’ testimony, as in the Uniform Probate Code’s self-proved will section.
- Power of Attorney: The paper is one that authorizes a person to perform legally acts on behalf of the grantor, and it usually requires notarization.
- Affidavits: A written statement under an oath or affirmation that is used as a piece of evidence in the court needs to be notarized to verify the identity and sincerity of the person swearing the statement.
Contracts: Most contracts are valid without a notary, but notarizing one records the identities of the signers and their willingness to sign. A contract is enforceable because the parties understood it, had capacity, and agreed to a lawful purpose, not because it was notarized.
Passport Applications: A parent who cannot apply in person with a child under 16 must submit Form DS-3053 or a separate statement, signed and sworn before a notary, as the State Department’s form explains.
Notarization adds one more safeguard: a notary checks the signer’s identity and records the notarization on a certificate, which helps deter fraud and later disputes. The next section shows what that certificate looks like.
Components Of A Notarized Document
A notarized document records key facts about the signing: who signed, when and where, and that the notary verified the signer’s identity.
Signatures And Seals
A notarized document carries the signer’s signature and the notary’s signature and seal. The notary signs the certificate and applies the seal after checking the signer’s ID and confirming that the signer is signing willingly.
Certification Statement
The certification statement is wording, completed by the notary, that names the type of notarial act (an acknowledgment or a jurat) and confirms that the signer appeared and was identified.
Venue And Notary Clause
The certificate also names the state and county where the notarization took place (the venue) and states that the signer appeared before the notary. Our guide to the notarial certificate lists each part.
Date Of Notarization
The certificate shows the date of the notarization, which places the signing on a clear timeline for legal purposes and recordkeeping. The notary’s signature and seal show that a commissioned notary completed it.
What a Notarial Certificate Looks Like
Here is an illustrative acknowledgment certificate. Each state sets its own wording, so treat this as a layout, not a form to copy.
State of [state], County of [county]
Acknowledged before me on [date] by [signer’s name], who proved their identity to me.
[Notary signature] and [seal]
Notary Public, State of [state]. My commission expires [date].
An acknowledgment certificate records the signer’s identity and willingness. A jurat, the other common certificate, instead records an oath or affirmation that the contents are true, and the signer must sign in front of the notary, as Maine’s Secretary of State describes. The certificate must be on or attached to the document, so check for it before you go.
How To Obtain A Notarized Document
There are no complicated procedures in getting a notarized document. Knowing these measures can thus make the notarization process less cumbersome and more time-saving.
Locating A Notary
Seeking a notary is the primary task when it comes to getting a document notarized. Notaries are available in places like banks, libraries, and courthouses. Furthermore, some shipping stores can ship besides providing notary services.
Online directories such as the National Notary Association (NNA) list notaries by location, which is facilitated by the Blue Notary by being in the NNA directory. Other states have made it possible for notaries to carry out remote online notarization, hence offering clients more convenience. BlueNotary offers it by live video, with single notarizations starting at $25.
Preparing Your Document
Before going to the notary public, prepare the document that is required. Make sure that all the fields are filled in correctly, but do not sign the document in advance. In addition to the document, be sure to have with you a photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Besides, check out the document and see if there are any other needs mentioned, e.g. the need for witnesses, or additional forms so that this can be done away with, thus causing no delays.
Completing The Notarization Process
You must add your signature to the document when the notary is present. The notary will ask for your photo ID to check your personal identification and sure that you understand the document’s content. The notary will then affix the notary’s stamp or seal and their signature to your document after taking your signature as a witness. You will also need to pay the notary’s fee, which depends on the state, and the notary, to seal the deal.
By doing the above,your document will be properly notarized.
Why Notarization Matters
Notarized papers are a big deal in many legal and personal contexts. The verification nature of these papers gives people confidence which is why they are vital.
Security of Legal Aspects
A notarization creates a record that a specific person appeared, was identified, and signed willingly. If a signature is later disputed, that record makes it harder to claim the signer never signed. A document that needed notarization but was not notarized can be rejected, for example by a county recorder, and is easier to contest. Notarization does not decide whether the terms are lawful or legally binding.
Reduced Cases of Fraud
Notarization helps reduce fraud because the notary checks that each signer is who they claim to be and is signing willingly. That identity check makes forged signatures and coerced signings harder to pass off.
Peace of Mind
People feel at peace with the assurance of notarized documents. To have in safekeeping your family’s notarized power of attorney will enable you to enjoy the restful sleep trusting of the fact that your wishes will be respected if the time comes. The definite knowledge that a notary has legalized the paper allows you the conviction you need for the validity and acceptability of your document in a time of crisis.
Discover the Power of BlueNotary:
Integrate your Business, Title Company, or Law Firm to Satisfy your Customers and Decrease Turnaround
Get a document Notarized/Sign-up
Join the Free Notary Training Facebook Group
Conclusion
A notarized document records who signed, when, and before which notary, which helps deter fraud and makes later disputes easier to resolve. Deeds, powers of attorney and affidavits are the most common examples, while wills and contracts usually need a notary only in specific situations. To get one, find a notary or notarize your document online with BlueNotary, and sign in front of the notary with your photo ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a notarized document?
A notarized document shows that a notary public verified the signer’s identity and that the signer signed willingly. This helps deter fraud and gives courts and agencies a record of the signing.
Which documents commonly require notarization?
Deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits and many real estate documents commonly require notarization. Wills and contracts usually do not, unless a law or the receiving party asks for it.
What does a notarized document look like?
It is the original document with a notarial certificate printed on it or attached. The certificate shows the state and county, the date, the signer’s name, the notary’s statement, and the notary’s signature and seal.
How does one get a document notarized?
When you get a document notarized, you have to find the notary public, prepare the paper, carry valid identification, and finally, you sign the paper in front of the notary. The notary completes the notarization process.
What is the importance of notarized documents in legal transactions?
Notarized papers are very important in legal transactions since they are official documents and guarantee that no laws are violated during the transaction and that the signatories are genuine people besides providing more certainty in the transaction process.
