Notarization proves who signed, not what the document says. Here is how to tell whether you need it, what to bring, and the document types that come up most.
A notary cannot tell you whether your document needs notarizing. That is set by the document itself, by the party who will receive it, or by your state — and a notary is not permitted to give legal advice about it. What a notary can do is perform the act once you know you need it.
In practice, three plain signals cover most cases:
If none of those apply and you are still unsure, ask the party who will receive the document. They are the ones who can answer it.
Notaries perform different acts, and the two you are most likely to meet behave differently at the moment of signing. This is worth two minutes, because it is the thing signers most often get wrong.
An acknowledgment is you confirming to the notary that the signature is yours and that you signed willingly. The notary is certifying who you are, not what the document says. Because the point is the acknowledgment rather than the act of signing, a document destined for an acknowledgment can in some cases already carry your signature when the notary arrives.
A jurat is you swearing or affirming that the contents are true, and it requires you to sign in front of the notary. A signature already on the page does not satisfy it. Affidavits and sworn statements typically use a jurat.
The takeaway for signers: when in doubt, do not sign until the notary is there. Arriving with an unsigned document works for either act. Arriving with a signed one can mean rescheduling.
Which act applies is determined by the document's own notarial wording or by the party requesting it — not by the notary, who cannot select the act for you or advise which you need.
Each of these has its own guide covering what the document is, why it needs a notary, and what is specific to it.
Your document does not have to appear here to be notarizable — these are simply the requests that come up most.
Two things set the price, and both are itemized. Your state sets — and in most states caps — the notarial act fee, the official per-signature charge added at the visit. The notary sets a travel fee to come to you. You see the itemized price before you approve the booking — no "call for a quote." See what notaries can legally charge in your state →
Not certain whether your document needs notarizing, or which type of act it needs? Tell us what you have and we'll confirm whether it needs notarization, and which type.
Email support →After, unless the party requesting the document tells you otherwise. Some notarial acts require you to sign in the notary's presence, and for those a signature already on the page cannot be fixed at the appointment. Leaving the document unsigned is the safe default.
A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for each signer, with a name that matches the document. What forms of identification are acceptable is set by your state, so if you are unsure what you have, tell your notary before the appointment.
Usually the document tells you: the notarial wording printed near the signature line names the act. If it does not, the party requesting the document decides which act applies. A notary cannot choose the act for you or advise which one you need.
Witness requirements are set by the party requesting the document or by your state, not by the notary. Ask before the appointment so you can arrange them. Whether your notary can also act as a witness depends on your state and the document — confirm in advance.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Whether a document needs notarization, which notarial act applies, and any witness or identification requirements are set by the party requesting the document and by your state — confirm with them or an attorney. A notary verifies identity and witnesses signatures; they do not prepare, interpret, or advise on documents.
Related: notary costs by state · documents going abroad · what a mobile notary is
Booking is open. You'll see the itemized price — travel and your state's notarial fee, line by line — before you approve the booking.