Notary: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What notary is

A notary verifies your identity, watches you sign a document and applies an official seal or stamp, confirming that the signing was genuine. People need one for deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, vehicle forms and many other papers.

Signs you need it

  • A document says it must be notarized
  • You are signing a power of attorney, affidavit or deed
  • A bank, agency or school asked for a notarized signature
  • You cannot travel to a notary and need one to come to you
  • You are signing at a hospital or care home
  • You need an evening or weekend signing

What the pro does

  • Check the government photo identification of each signer
  • Confirm each signer understands they are signing and is doing so willingly
  • Watch the signing or have the signer acknowledge a signature
  • Complete the notary certificate wording on the document
  • Apply the stamp or seal and sign
  • Record the notarization in a journal where state rules require it

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the notary travels to you
  • Number of documents and signers
  • Time of day, such as evening or weekend
  • Whether the notarization is in person or by approved remote methods
  • Distance and waiting time
  • Whether a signing involves a long document package, such as a loan closing
  • Whether witnesses are needed

What a written quote should spell out

  • The fees allowed by your state for each notarization, separate from travel
  • Travel and waiting charges
  • Number of documents and signers covered
  • Appointment time and location
  • Cancellation terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are you commissioned in this state, and can you show your commission?
  • What identification do you need from signers?
  • Are you able to notarize this type of document?
  • Will you travel, and how is travel handled?
  • Do you keep a journal of notarizations?
  • Do you need me to sign in front of you, or can I sign earlier?
  • Are witnesses required, and can you bring them?

Red flags

  • A notary who agrees to stamp a document you did not sign in front of them
  • A notary who skips checking identification
  • A notary who fills in blanks on your document or gives legal advice
  • A notary who offers to notarize an incomplete document
  • A person who cannot show a current commission

What you can do yourself

You can prepare by reading the document, bringing valid photo ID and leaving the signature line blank until you are with the notary. Do not sign beforehand unless the notary tells you it is fine. Ask a licensed attorney if you are unsure what the document does.

Licenses and permits

Notaries are commissioned or appointed by the state, so this is a credentialed role. Ask to see the commission and check it with the state office that issues notary commissions.

Notary questions

Can a notary give legal advice?

Generally no. Ask a licensed attorney about what a document means.

Do I need to sign in front of the notary?

Often yes. Wait for the notary to tell you when to sign.

What ID is acceptable?

Rules vary by state. Ask the notary before the appointment.

Can a notary refuse?

Yes, for example if identity cannot be confirmed or a signer seems unwilling.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer notary remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

Edit history

How guide reviews work

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More legal guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request notary