Can I notarize a handwritten statement?

Asked by: Shanel Cronin  |  Last update: August 13, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (6 votes)

Florida Notary Public Updates Yes, as a notary public you can notarize handwritten documents, in certain circumstances.

Can you notarize a written statement?

Yes, you may notarize a signature on a document that includes handwritten paragraphs. A document can be typed or handwritten. If the notarial certificate under the signature is not included, be sure to attach a loose certificate chosen by your customer.

Can a handwritten agreement be notarized?

If a signer asks you to “legalize” or “validate” a handwritten document, you should tell them that notarization only serves to verify the identity of the signer, their signature, and that the signer is acting willingly and competently.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

Can you get statements notarized?

You can obtain a notarized statement through in-person or remote online notarization (RON). In-person notarization involves visiting a notary with your ID, while RON allows you to complete the process online using video calls and secure digital identification verification. Both methods ensure the document's validity.

How to notarize (handwritten documents)

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How do you notarize a personal statement?

How to notarize a document in California
  1. Step 1: Personal appearance is required. ...
  2. Step 2: Check over the document before notarizing. ...
  3. Step 3: Carefully identify the signer. ...
  4. Step 4: Complete your journal entry. ...
  5. Step 5: Fill in the notarial certificate.

Are notarized statements admissible in court?

Though they enhance a document's validity, notarization alone doesn't ensure admissibility in court. Courts consider the document's relevance, authenticity, and compliance with specific legal standards during proceedings.

What makes a notarized document invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?

No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?

The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.

Do handwritten agreements hold up in court?

Handwritten agreements are somewhat impractical compared to typed versions. However, they are fully legal if written and formatted properly, and are preferable to verbal contracts in practically all cases.

Can I write a document and have it notarized?

Can you write a letter and have it notarized? Yes, you can fill out the details of a letter on your own and then contact a public notary to get it notarized. If you're wondering what documents need to be notarized, understand that there is a long list of documents you can notarize in your state.

Is a written statement legally binding?

An agreement, whether entirely verbal or written, is an agreement and is enforceable in court. That said, it is far more likely that parties will differ in their understanding of a verbal agreement than a written one — after all, the paper is there for reference.

How to write a statement to be notarized?

A notarized letter should include the date, full names of all parties, specific addresses, the purpose of the letter, relevant dates and terms, signatures, and a formal tone with proper formatting.

Can you have a written agreement notarized?

Also, have the document notarized so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your written contract is legitimate. When a neutral, third-party witness or notarized a contract, it helps prove that the document was signed willingly by all parties and not through coercion, undue influence, or duress.

Can a notary notarize a handwritten document?

In most states, the fact that a document is handwritten does not preclude it from being notarized. However, the document must have an appropriate notarial certificate. If there is not already a certificate written on the document, the notary must add it.

What is a notarized personal statement?

In other words, a notary statement can be thought of as a declaration stating that the notary public knows the individual personally, knows a trustworthy witness who has identified the individual in person and that the notary agent has identified the individual on the basis of the identification documents that have ...

Do all pages of a document need to be notarized?

Because of this, many states prohibit notarizing a document that is incomplete or contains blank spaces. In California, the Secretary of State's 2024 Notary Public Handbook instructs Notaries to refuse to notarize if the Notary knows a document is incomplete.

How often do notaries make mistakes?

Notary mistakes and errors increase the number of rejected documents. Most rejected documents contain minor or major notarization mistakes. On average, 30% of notarized documents contain mistakes. But depending on your county and state, this rejection rate can vary.

What happens if you do a notary wrong?

What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.

In which of the following situations should a notary decline to complete a notarization?

Here are several other potential situations when you should refuse the request:
  • You know or suspect the transaction is false, illegal or deceptive.
  • The act being requested is not an authorized notarial act.
  • The signer is unable or unwilling to pay the required fee.
  • The request is made outside of your regular office hours.

Can a written statement be used as evidence?

Affidavits, or sworn written statements, can be used as evidence in civil and family court cases. They are often used during motions or petitions before a trial to support your position.

Is a notarized statement legal?

Notarization serves primarily as a safeguard against fraud by providing an impartial witness to the signing process. However, it doesn't guarantee the legal validity of the document itself.

What do you call someone who swears to a statement of fact?

§ 1746 The document is called a sworn declaration or sworn statement instead of an affidavit, and the maker is called a "declarant" rather than an "affiant", but other than this difference in terminology, the two are treated identically by the court.