Can my daughter notarize my signature?

Asked by: Kyra Douglas  |  Last update: November 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (6 votes)

In general, the answer is a resounding no. Here's why: When a notary validates a document for a family member, there's a high possibility that they stand to benefit financially in some way. This presents a conflict of interest and may result in unethically validated signatures that another notary should be present for.

Can a family member notarize your signature?

California notaries public may notarize documents for their family members since it's not directly prohibited by law. However, they are encouraged not to due to the potential for a conflict of interest to arise.

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 a minor notarize a document?

You can notarize a document for a minor, contrary to popular belief. This is not like a school form or a doctor's appointment, when the minor's legal guardian or parent can sign for their consent. If the minor's name appears on the document that requires a notarial act, the minor is the one who must sign it.

Can a family member notarize a wedding certificate?

There is no restriction on a family member serving as the notary for a family member.

Can a notary notarize a family member's signature?

20 related questions found

Can a notary marry someone in GA?

In Georgia, can a notary public perform marriage ceremonies? No. Georgia has not granted notaries public the authority to perform marriage ceremonies.

Who can notarize a marriage license in Tennessee?

A Tennessee notary public can perform additional duties to help your big day go smoothly. Notaries can also notarize any other documents you need to be validated, including paperwork for name changes, life documents, and certified copies of the marriage certificate.

Who is eligible to notarize a document?

Who can notarize a document? The only person who can notarize a document is a notary public. This role is an official position within the state government and notaries public are either appointed, commissioned, or otherwise designated by a high ranking government official such as the governor or secretary of state.

Can a minor witness a signature?

Key Takeaways:

To be a valid witness, a person must be at least 18 years old, be of sound mind, be a neutral third-party (not a beneficiary, agent, or a spouse of the beneficiary or agent), have a valid ID and provide contact information, and potentially pass a background check (depending on the state).

Can a document be notarized without a signature?

Most states require the signer to physically sign a document before a notary.

What makes a notary 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.

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.

Can a notary change their signature?

No. A notary public may not simply “X” out his or her notary signature and seal on a notarial certificate that contains mistakes. Changes to a notarial certificate must be made only at the time of the execution of the notarization when the principal signer is present.

Who can notarize divorce papers?

In order to notarize divorce papers, it is necessary that you work with a notary public. It is usually very easy to locate notaries as a majority of real estate departments, banks, law firms and insurance companies employ notaries that are able to notarize divorce papers.

Can a spouse witness a signature?

Legislation does not prohibit a signatory's spouse, co-habitee or civil partner from acting as a witness and it is also generally acceptable for an employee of a party to witness that party's signature.

How much can you charge as a notary in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, there are no set fees (except for protests, an antiquated notarial act that Notaries rarely perform). A Notary may charge any fee they feel is reasonable.

Can a family member be a witness for a notary?

Unless it is stated clearly in your state's notary laws, close family members should not serve as witnesses to any legal document, even if they are not named in the document. Your spouse, in-laws, or close relatives are likely to have at least some interest, direct or indirect, in any document you sign.

How to notarize a minor's signature?

The minor signer can be identified by a credible witness who personally knows the minor and the Notary; or C) The minor signer must present a current form of ID issued by the federal or a state government that includes the minor signer's photograph and signature.

Can my mom witness my signature?

There is no rule that says a family member cannot sign as a witness on a document. However, you should have the signer check with your contracting company for instructions regarding the witness requirements. Your contracting company may have business rules regarding who may sign as a witness in this case.

What is required by a notary of the person signing the notarized document?

Notaries in California must carefully verify the signer's identity. Acceptable identification includes state-issued driver's licenses, passports, or federal IDs, all of which must be current or issued within the last five years. If a signer lacks these, credible witnesses with valid identification can be used.

Do you need two forms of ID for notary?

States like California and Florida may necessitate dual IDs to enhance security and verify the signer's identity conclusively. These states recognize both primary documents, like a driver's license, and secondary forms, such as a credit card or utility bill, to meet their dual ID criteria.

Can I notarize for my sister in Florida?

Florida prohibits public notaries from providing notarial services to immediate family members, such as sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers. However, this means that you can notarize a document for other family members, such as your stepbrother, stepparents, and stepsister.

Can my mom notarize my marriage license?

You are not prohibited from notarizing the signature of your niece on her marriage documents. The statute only prohibits notarizing the signature of a spouse, son, daughter, mother or father (F.S. 117.107[11]).

Can I notarize something for my wife?

“In California, a notary public is not prohibited from notarizing for relatives or others, unless doing so would provide a direct financial or beneficial interest to the notary public.

Who can be a notary in Tennessee?

§ 8-18-101, as well as the specific requirements contained in the notary statutes at T.C.A. § 8-16-101. A notary must be at least 18 years of age and be either a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident at the time of election.