Notarization

Description

The purpose of a notarization is for the signer, whose identity has been verified, to declare to a notary public that he or she has/is knowingly and willingly signed/signing the document(s).

The two main types of Notarizations are

• Acknowledgment: signer has to be present and present ID.
• Jurat: signer has to be present, present ID AND sign document in front of Notary.

An acknowledgment requires the following steps:

1. You must physically appear before the Notary Public.
2. The Notary is required to verify your identity according to California state laws. Please bring acceptable identification or witnesses needed.
3. You may either sign the document before appearing before the Notary or in their presence.
4. You must declare (acknowledge) signing the document for its intended purpose.

A Jurat requires the following steps:

1. You must physically appear before the Notary Public.
2. The Notary is required to verify your identity according to California state laws. Please bring acceptable identification or witnesses needed.
3. You must sign the document in presence of the Notary. If you signed before arrival, you will still have to sign it again in the Notary’s presence.
4. You must declare (acknowledge) signing the document for its intended purpose.

Unlike jurats, an acknowledgment does not need to be signed in the presence of a notary. However, in either case, the signer does need to swear or affirm that they signed under their own free will.

Although it is not required, we suggest that any document that requires a notary seal be signed in the presence of the notary public to avoid any unnecessary mistakes or delays.