What Is a Notary Public and When Do You Need One?
A notary public is a state-commissioned official authorized to witness the signing of documents, verify the identity of signers, and administer oaths. Notaries serve as impartial witnesses to deter fraud and ensure that documents are signed knowingly and voluntarily.
What does a notary actually do?
When you bring a document to a notary, they perform three core functions. They verify your identity using government-issued ID, they ensure you understand what you're signing and are doing so willingly, and they affix their official seal and signature to the document. The notary's seal serves as a legal certification that the signing process was witnessed and verified.
Notaries don't review the contents of documents for accuracy or legality. Their role is procedural — confirming that the signature is genuine and that the signer is who they claim to be.
When do you need a notary?
Common situations that require notarization include real estate transactions, mortgage and loan documents, powers of attorney, affidavits and sworn statements, wills and trusts, business contracts and agreements, vehicle title transfers, parental consent forms for minors traveling internationally, and apostille services for documents used abroad.
If a document has a signature line followed by "Notary Public" or "Notary Acknowledgment," it needs to be notarized.
Types of notarization
There are several types of notarial acts, each serving a different purpose. An acknowledgment confirms that you signed a document voluntarily — the most common type. A jurat verifies that you swore or affirmed the contents of a document are true. A copy certification confirms that a copy is a true reproduction of an original. Signature witnessing confirms that the notary observed you sign in their presence.
The notary will determine which type of notarization your document requires based on the wording of the notarial certificate.
Mobile, in-person, or remote online?
Today you have three options for getting a document notarized. In-person at a bank, shipping store, or notary office is the traditional route. Mobile notary services bring a notary to your home, office, or a location of your choice — useful for hospital signings, real estate closings, or anyone who can't easily travel. Remote online notarization (RON) lets you connect with a notary via video call and sign electronically — available in most states for most documents.
The right option depends on your document type, urgency, and convenience needs.
Finding a notary
Most major cities have notaries available within minutes. Banks often offer free notary services to account holders. Shipping stores like UPS and FedEx have notaries on staff. For mobile or RON service, find a licensed notary in your area through our nationwide network.