How does notarize work?
Asked by: Mrs. Tatyana Hettinger Jr. | Last update: February 7, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (17 votes)
Notarization is a process where a Notary Public acts as a neutral witness to verify your identity, ensure you're signing willingly, and then officially certifies the document with their signature and seal, adding credibility and preventing fraud for important legal, financial, or real estate papers. The signer must appear in person (or remotely via video for remote online notarization) with acceptable ID, and the notary records the details in a journal before completing the document with their stamp.
What is a notary and how does it work?
A Notary Public is an official appointed by a state government to serve the public as an impartial witness in administering oaths and performing other official acts (called notarial acts or notarizations) when important documents are signed.
How does notary work in India?
The Notary is considered as an impartial witness who verifies signers and ensures they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly. In short, its objective is to determine everything is true and genuine on the document.
What happens when I get something notarized?
A notarization is generally an assurance made by a Notary Public that a document's signature is genuine, that the signer acted without duress and that the signer intended the terms of the document to be in full force and effect. Most requests for notarization involve the signing of documents.
How does the notarize app work?
To get your document notarized by a notary public, simply Download the Notarize Mobile App, or Connect with a Notary Public Online and follow these steps: Upload any document, but do not sign it before uploading it. You must sign before the notary public. Fill out the document using Notarize's digital tools.
How Online Notarization Works Using Notarize
How much money do you make on notarize?
How much does a Notarize make in California? As of Jan 6, 2026, the average annual pay for a Notarize in California is $36,255 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $17.43 an hour.
Can I trust an online notary?
Technology alone isn't enough—signers need confidence that their notary and their platform uphold ethical and legal responsibilities. Trust in RON comes from: Regulatory Compliance: Each state has rules that govern how RON must be performed. Platforms must be approved and notaries must be commissioned.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document.
Does a notarized will hold up in court?
Benefits of having a notarized Will
Reduces contestability: A notarized Will is much harder to challenge in court because the notary serves as an additional witness to your mental capacity and the authenticity of your signature.
Which document needs to be notarized?
Some of the most common types of documents needing to be notarized are: Articles of incorporation. Real estate contracts and property deeds. Legal affidavits.
Can a lawyer be a notary?
Yes, as long as a lawyer has been commissioned by the state they practice to perform notarization services, they can notarize a will or any other document type. Lawyers that are commissioned to perform notary services can carry out the same notarial acts as a non-lawyer notary.
How much does a notary get paid per signature?
A notary typically makes $5 to $15 per signature for general work, set by state law, but can earn $75 to $200 or more per appointment as a mobile notary or signing agent for specialized services like loan closings, often adding travel and convenience fees. Earnings vary significantly by state, demand, and specialization, with some states limiting fees strictly (e.g., $2 in NY) and others allowing higher, reasonable charges or travel fees.
What happens if a notary makes a mistake?
A mistake can trigger an immediate rejection and result in penalties and additional fees. In most severe cases, the notary public becomes highly vulnerable to civil litigation. Mostly, notaries are aware that there are many moving pieces in a notarization process.
How does a notary verify identity?
A single form of valid ID is acceptable for notarization in most cases. However, there may be cases where multiple forms of identity verification are allowed. For example, California Notaries may accept the oath or affirmation of two individuals who personally know the signer and can verify their identity.
Do notaries get sued a lot?
It's not unusual for a Notary to be named in a lawsuit simply because plaintiffs are obligated to cast a wide net. In other words, the civil process is “Sue first, ask questions later.” And even with the best outcome, being sued is incredibly disruptive.
What can and cannot be notarized?
A notary public in California cannot notarize incomplete documents or documents with missing parts, correct another notarial act, nor notarize any documents that will benefit them in any way, either directly or indirectly. Financial documents, legal documents, and business-related documents often require notarization.
How to spot a fake notary?
Red Flags That a Notary May Be Fake or Unauthorized
- They Cannot Show a Valid Notary Commission. ...
- Their Seal Looks Suspicious or Incorrect. ...
- They Offer Legal Advice. ...
- Their Fees Are Extremely High or Suspiciously Low. ...
- They Cannot Explain What Type of Identification Is Acceptable.
Can banks notarize documents for free?
Yes, many banks offer free notary services, especially for their account holders, as a perk, but it's not guaranteed and policies vary, so always call ahead to confirm availability, fees (if any for non-customers), and if they notarize your specific document type, as some banks restrict certain documents or only serve customers.
How much does a mobile notary make per visit?
A mobile notary's earnings per visit vary significantly, but loan signing agents often make $75 to $200+ per appointment, while general mobile notary work can range from $30 to $100+ per trip, depending on location, travel distance, document complexity, and whether they work directly with clients or through signing services. Highly profitable mobile notaries focus on real estate closings (loan signings) or specialized niche markets, adding fees for travel, printing, and administrative tasks.
What forms of payment do notaries accept?
Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions
A: I accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), and checks under $25.00. My rates are very reasonable and I offer special discounts on services to senior citizens, teachers, and hospice facilities.
How do I know if a notary is legit?
To check if a notary is valid, look for their official stamp with a clear name, commission number, and expiration date, then verify these details online on your state's Secretary of State website, using their notary search tool to confirm the commission is active and matches the stamp, ensuring the document shows a valid seal and signature for legal authenticity.
What is the difference between a notary and an online notary?
Document requirements
Traditional notarization: Involves a tangible paper document signed in ink. In-person electronic notarization: Involves an electronic record, such as a PDF or HTML viewed on a website. The document is presented on a computer, laptop or mobile device and is signed electronically.
Are there any risks involved in online notarization?
Data Privacy Risks – With online notarization, sensitive personal information is shared over the internet, making it vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches. 2. Lack of Human Oversight – Traditional notaries can assess body language and detect suspicious behavior in person.