Do both signatures need to be notarized?
Asked by: Dr. Eldon Gerhold I | Last update: January 16, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (61 votes)
In real life, there's no such rule of “only one named signer per document.” Many documents require the signatures of multiple persons, and any number of those signatures may require notarization. Often, only one of the multiple signers named in a document is present for notarization of their signature.
Do both signatures need to be notarized at the same time?
You may notarize the signature of one person appearing before you and then the second person can appear before a Notary in their city/state and have their signature notarized. Each Notary will complete notarial wording for the person appearing before them.
Do both parties have to be notarized?
Certain states allow notarizing without the other party if all signatures are notarized separately.
Do both people have to be present to notarize a title?
Both the seller and the buyer don't have to be present in person during notarization. With remote notarization, a notary agent can take care of the signing through a video conference solution. Some states require only the seller needs to be present during the signing.
What is the Michigan law for notary?
(1) A notary public shall place his or her signature on every record upon which he or she performs a notarial act. The notary public shall sign his or her name exactly as his or her name appears on his or her application for commission as a notary public.
The Difference Between Acknowledgments and Signature Witnessings
Does everyone have to be present for a notary?
A signer must meet face-to-face with a Notary in order to have their signature notarized. Be sure that any person whose signature needs notarization is available and can attend your appointment with the Notary Public. A Notary cannot notarize a person's signature over the phone or video chat.
Can you notarize a friend in Michigan?
Can I notarize my friend's document? No. If a notary public is a party to a transaction, or has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in the transaction, no matter how small, the notary must decline the notarization.
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.
Do both parties have to be present to notarize a bill of sale?
In some cases, a notary public can notarize one party's bill of sale signature. This might happen if they're absent but have consented to another individual signing on their behalf. The jurisdiction and circumstances will determine whether both parties must attend a bill of sale notarization.
Does the buyer need to be present for the notary?
You not need both parties to be physically present at the time of notarization, but you can only notarize for the person who is appearing before you. The other person can have their signature notarized at another time.
Does an agreement between two parties need to be notarized?
Just like wills, there is generally no requirement that a contract be notarized in order to be legally binding. However, if a party who signed a business agreement decides to dispute that agreement in court, a notarized contract can help a great deal.
What is split signing?
By Kelly Rush, Updated December 9, 2024. Split signings often cause confusion for Notary Signing Agents. A split signing is when loan documents need to be signed by multiple borrowers, such as partners or spouses, but only one of the borrowers is available at one time.
How do I notarize a document signed by two people in different locations?
If all signers are in multiple locations, the first signer can participate in a notarization session and then send the completed document to the next signer. The next signer will then need to have the document re-notarized in a separate session that includes their signature.
Does a notary have to witness all signatures?
Yes, a notary must witness you signing the document for a notarization to be considered valid and legally binding. A signed document can be notarized in some instances if it meets the state legal requirements.
Can you perform the notarization if the document presented to you has two signatures and only one of the signers appears in Ohio?
Yes, you can Notarize the signature of the person appearing before you.
What happens if you notarize your own signature?
Notaries cannot notarize their own documents because notaries are required by law to serve as independent and impartial witnesses to a signing. If the notary has any connection to the document they are signing, it is impossible for them to remain an objective third party witnessing the signing.
Can you get something notarized without both parties present?
Do all parties have to be present at the same place and time for a document to be notarized? Usually not, but it is best to ask your selected notary regarding the proper procedures in your state.
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.
Do both parties have to be present to notarize a title?
If your state requires notarization, both parties must be present to sign in front of the notary. The notary will verify each signer's identity and witness the signatures to make it official.
Is a document legal if not notarized?
In most cases, a contract does not have to be notarized since the signed contract itself is enforceable and legally binding in state or federal courts. Many types of written contracts don't require a notary public to be valid.
How long is a notary signature good for?
In California, the period is four years. The commission is accompanied by a notary seal or stamp, which has the commission number and the date of expiration.
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?
Can my girlfriend notarize a document for me?
In California, public notaries are NOT prohibited from notarizing for relatives unless it provides a direct financial or beneficial interest. This includes any document where the notary public is named – especially if they're a beneficiary.
How much can a notary charge in Michigan?
A notary public in Michigan is not allowed to charge you more than $10 per notarial act. If a notary public is not a licensed attorney, they must include the following statement in their documents and advertisements: “I am not an attorney and have no authority to give advice on immigration or other legal matters.”
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.