How to Notarize a Document

While official requirements can vary from state to state, the basic process for notarizing a document involves three steps. First, you must verify the signer’s identity; second, you must observe the signature; and finally, you must mark the signature with an official stamp or seal. 

Whether you go to a standard or a same-day notary service, the signers must provide proper identification so the notary can confirm the identity of all signers. Once verified, the notary will lead each signer through the document and observe them making each required signature, initial, or other required marks. 

After all of the signatures have been observed, the notary will stamp each one with a custom stamp that is unique to them. This stamp usually includes the notary’s name, the state where they are a notary, and the date their term expires. 

Traditionally, the notarization process must be done in person and requires all signing parties to coordinate schedules so they can be with the notary at the same time. On the day of the notarization, they need to bring a paper copy of their document to be notarized along with all necessary identification. 

In the 1990s, many states introduced an electronic version of the notarization process known as In-Person Electronic Notary (IPEN). This process is effectively the same as the traditional notarization process, except that the notary signs and stamps the document electronically.

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