Services

Know what type of notarization you need

Because the Notary cannot advise or choose for you, it's essential that you know what type of notarization to request. Of the various notarial services available, these are three of the most common:

• Acknowledgment

• Jurat

• Copy Certification

If you're unsure what type of notarization you need, contact the document drafter or receiving agency to confirm.

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Check for blank spaces on your document

Scan through your document for blank spaces, missing dates, and empty lines before you arrive for your notarization. In most cases, a Notary must refuse a notarization if the document isn't complete. This protects you from potential fraud.

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Have a proper form of identification

A Notary cannot perform a notarization unless you present an acceptable form of identification. Make sure you bring one of the following to your appointment:

• State-issued driver’s license

• State-issued ID card

• U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State

• U.S. military ID

• State, county, and local government IDs

• Permanent resident card or “green card” issued by the U.S.

Keep in mind that acceptable identity documents can vary from state to state. If you don't have proper ID, you may be able to use a credible identifying witness—a person with an acceptable ID who will swear to the Notary that they know you. For more information, ask your Notary.

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Types of notarizations

 

Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment is needed to declare that you have willingly signed a document. Acknowledgments are most often performed on transactions regarding property or assets, such as deeds, mortgages, and deeds of trust.

Jurat

A jurat requires you to swear or affirm that the document’s contents are true. This notarial act certifies that the document signer has sworn or affirmed, under oath, that the contents of a document are true and correct.

Depending on the state or county, jurats may also be referred to as affidavits or verifications on oath or affirmation. Jurats are most often performed on evidentiary documents in the justice system, like affidavits, depositions, and interrogatories.

 

Oaths or affirmations

An oath or affirmation is for you to verbally attest that you are telling the truth or upholding specific values. The difference between an oath and affirmation is that an oath involves swearing to a higher power, such as God, whereas an affirmation is telling the truth based on your personal honor.

You get to choose whether you’d like to take an oath or affirmation based on your preference.

 

Copy certification

A copy certification confirms that the copy of a document is an exact match of the original. They are most often performed on personal vital records and business transactions, including:

• Diplomas

• Driver’s licenses

• Leases

• Contracts

• Vehicle titles

• Social Security cards

• Medical records

• Bills of sale

 

Before asking a Notary for copy certification services, check with your state to see if this notarization is allowed.