Is notarize trustworthy?
Asked by: Prof. Ludwig Hayes | Last update: April 16, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (9 votes)
Yes, Notarize.com is generally considered a legitimate and popular online platform for remote online notarization (RON), offering quick, convenient, and secure services with strong user reviews highlighting its ease of use and 24/7 availability, though users must ensure it complies with their specific state's laws and be aware of potential service variations. It provides multi-factor identity verification and live notary interaction, but some critics note past compliance issues in certain states and suggest comparing it with other services for specific needs, as it's an on-demand service.
How do you know if a notary is legit?
To check if a notary is valid, verify their commission on your state's Secretary of State website using their name or commission number, check the notary's stamp for a clear impression, name, commission number, and expiration date, and ensure the notarization date falls within their active commission period, looking for red flags like smudged seals or missing required information.
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.
Is notarized legit?
Notarization is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic, and can be trusted.
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.
Using a Credible Witness to Identify a Signer
Is notarize a legit website?
#1 Rated Online Notary Service
With over 20,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7/5 stars, here's what our satisfied customers have to say about their experiences. Rated 4.7 / 5 based on 20,418 reviews.
How can you tell if a notary stamp is real?
A legitimate notarized document must include a notary's official seal and signature. The seal can be an embossed or inked stamp containing the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date. If the seal appears smudged, unclear, or missing, it may indicate a fraudulent document.
Does a notarized document hold up in court?
Judges, government offices, and financial institutions trust notarized documents because of one thing: accountability. Every notary in California is commissioned by the Secretary of State and bound by law to follow strict identification, recordkeeping, and ethical standards.
What are the risks of using a remote notary?
Remote notarization platforms handle highly sensitive personal data (driver's license images, legal documents). The risk is using an unsecure or non-compliant platform that is vulnerable to data breaches.
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.
Do notaries get sued often?
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 makes a notary valid?
The notary is responsible for properly identifying the person and administering a verbal oath. If the sworn statement is in the form of a written instrument, the notary will also witness that person's signature and make a written record of the event in a notarial certificate.
Can you change a document after it is notarized?
You cannot directly edit the main body of a notarized document after notarization; the signer must correct errors in the document and get it re-notarized, but the notary can sometimes correct minor mistakes within the notarial certificate (like a wrong date or typo) by striking through, initialing, and writing the correction, following state law, with the signer present, and documenting it in their journal. Major errors in the certificate or document require a new notarization for the entire document.
Do notaries read your documents?
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?
How do I find a trustworthy notary public?
Finding a Notary Public
- Use FindaNotary.com.
- Notary Public databases.
- Search for Notary Public directories online.
- Consult service provider directories like Angi or Thumbtack.
- Type “Notary Public near me” in a search engine.
- Search review websites like Yelp!
- Look at business listing sites like YellowPages.com.
What happens if a notary messes up?
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 to tell if someone is a legit notary?
To tell if a notary is legit, verify their active commission on your state's Secretary of State website, check their official seal for your name, commission number, and expiration date, and ensure they use a valid ID and follow proper procedures like recording the act in a journal. A real notary must have a current, state-issued commission and will present their ID and seal, while being impartial and professional.
Are online notaries trustworthy?
Yes, online notaries (Remote Online Notarization or RON) are legitimate and legally valid in most U.S. states, offering a secure digital alternative to traditional notarization, often with enhanced security features like audio/video recording and digital ID verification that can reduce fraud. They work through secure platforms using live audio-video, e-signatures, and ID checks, with the notarized documents holding the same legal weight as in-person ones, provided the notary follows state laws.
What liability does a notary have?
A notary public is liable for all damages caused by his or her errors, omissions, improper notarizations, or negligence in the performance of a notarial act even if such actions were made inadvertently.
Does notarizing a document make it official?
There is a huge misconceptions that if individuals go and get a document notarized everything is good, but that is not the case because the notarized document is not a court order, it is an agreement between the parties, but ultimately it cannot be enforced because it is not signed off by a judge.
How long is a notarized will good for?
While notaries must renew both their commission and stamp on a regular basis according to state requirements, the notarizations that they place on documents do NOT expire. Valid indefinitely, a notary's seal and signature on a document will authenticate that document and its contents for the full life of that document.
What invalidates a notarized document?
A notarized document can be invalidated by fundamental flaws like improper identification, lack of signer presence, blank spaces, missing signatures, or an expired notary commission, as well as fraudulent acts, unauthorized alterations, backdating, or the notary acting with a conflict of interest, all undermining the document's authenticity and the integrity of the notarization process.
What do notaries verify?
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.
How can I let people know I am a notary?
Use social media. Online platforms like Facebook, Yelp or a personal website can be a great way to get your name out to customers. People search for Notary services online more than any other way, so it's essential to make sure they find you.
Can a bank notarize a document?
Yes, many banks offer notary services, often for free to account holders, but availability varies by branch and bank policy, with some restricting it to customers or specific documents, so calling ahead is crucial. While once a common perk, some banks are reducing services, so checking with your local branch for their notary hours and customer/non-customer policies is essential before visiting.