Notarization Basics
Plain-English answers about identification, signing rules, notary fees and what happens during a notary appointment.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary public verifies identity, confirms willingness and completes a notarial certificate. Here is what that means and what a notary cannot do.
Read guideWhat Do I Need to Bring to a Notary?
A checklist of what to bring to a notary appointment: the document, identification, signers, witnesses and payment.
Read guideWhat Forms of ID Can I Use for Notarization?
Which identification documents notaries typically accept, why expired ID is a problem, and what to do if your name has changed.
Read guideCan I Get Something Notarized Without an ID?
What your options are when you have no photo identification, including credible identifying witnesses and personal knowledge.
Read guideDo I Sign a Document Before Going to the Notary?
Why you should usually arrive with an unsigned document, and when an already-signed document can still be notarized.
Read guideDoes the Person Signing Have to Be Present for Notarization?
Why personal appearance is the core rule of notarization, and how remote online notarization satisfies it.
Read guideHow Long Does It Take to Get Something Notarized?
Typical appointment lengths for a single document, multi-signer packages and loan signings, plus what slows appointments down.
Read guideHow Much Does a Notary Cost?
How notary fees work: the per-signature notarial fee, travel fees, after-hours charges and what to confirm before booking.
Read guideWhat Happens During a Notary Appointment?
A step-by-step walkthrough of a notary appointment, from identification through to the notary's seal.
Read guideWhy Would a Notary Refuse to Notarize a Document?
The usual reasons a notary must decline — identification, blank fields, capacity, coercion and acts outside their authority — and how to fix each one.
Read guideNotarization requirements vary by state and document type. A notary public generally cannot give legal advice, choose a document for you, draft a document unless separately authorized, tell you how to complete a form, or explain the legal effect of signing. If you are unsure whether your document needs notarization or which notarial act is required, ask the agency or person receiving the document, or consult a qualified legal professional.