When you might need a Notary Public...

What does it mean to have a document notarized?

A Notary Public’s seal on a document indicates that it has been notarized, but what does that really mean and why is it needed?

Certain documents must be notarized. When purchasing a home, transferring a car, providing power of attorney, authorizing consent for a minor to travel abroad, or executing other important transactions, it’s essential that everyone can trust the documents and your signature.

The notary public is a commissioned representative of a state government and is charged with verifying your identity as the signer, ensuring you sign under your own free will, and witnessing the signing event. Their role is to prevent fraud, to ensure the appropriate people execute documents freely and to verify transactions after the fact. Institutions rely upon notaries so they may have full faith in important documents.

After witnessing a signing, a notary public applies their own details, such as their signature, seal, and notary commission details. These materials serve as a means of verifying the transaction so others may rely upon it. When you see a notary’s seal on a document, it means a trusted notary public represents that it is authentic and properly executed.

~Notarize Knowledge Center