What Documents Can a Notary Public Notarize?

Complete list of documents that can be notarized by a notary public, from affidavits to real estate deeds, wills, and powers of attorney.

What Makes a Document Notarizable?

A notary public can notarize virtually any document that requires an authenticated signature. The notary is not verifying the content of the document - only confirming the identity of the signer and that they signed willingly. This means most written agreements, statements, and declarations can be notarized.

Common Documents That Require Notarization

Legal Documents

• Power of Attorney (POA): Authorizes someone to act on your behalf. Almost always requires notarization.
• Last Will and Testament: Many states require notarization (or at least witnesses) for wills to be valid.
• Living Will / Advance Healthcare Directive: Documents your medical wishes.
• Affidavits: Sworn written statements of fact used in legal proceedings.
• Sworn Statements: Any statement made under oath.

Real Estate Documents

• Mortgage documents and deeds of trust
• Property deeds (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, grant deed)
• Refinancing documents
• Lease agreements (commercial and sometimes residential)
• Home equity loan documents

Financial Documents

• Bank account ownership documents
• Loan agreements
• Financial power of attorney
• IRA beneficiary designations (sometimes)
• Settlement agreements

Personal and Family Documents

• Vehicle title transfers (required by DMV in most states)
• Parental consent for minors to travel internationally
• Name change documents
• Immigration documents (I-130, I-864, etc.)
• Adoption documents

Business Documents

• Corporate resolutions
• Business contracts and agreements
• Articles of incorporation (in some states)
• Partnership agreements
• Intellectual property assignments

Documents That Cannot Be Notarized

A notary cannot notarize:

• Documents where the signer is not present (unless using RON)
• Incomplete documents with blank spaces
• Documents where the signer cannot be identified
• Vital records (birth/death/marriage certificates) - these are issued and certified by government agencies
• Documents where the notary has a conflict of interest
• Documents where the signer appears to be signing under duress

What Are the Types of Notarial Acts?

Most documents fall into one of these categories:

• Acknowledgment: The signer confirms the signature is theirs and they signed voluntarily. Most common for real estate documents.
• Jurat / Affidavit: The signer swears the document's content is true. Used for affidavits and sworn statements.
• Copy Certification: The notary certifies that a copy is a true copy of the original document.
• Oath/Affirmation: The notary administers an oath to the signer.