Starter Certificate Templates

Summary: What is Notarization?

Notarization is a formal, fraud-deterrent process performed by a Notary Public to verify that a document is authentic, its signature is genuine, and that the signer is acting willingly and knowingly. It helps ensure trust in legal and official documents by deterring fraud and protecting individuals from exploitation.

The process has three parts:

1. Vetting the signer's identity, willingness, and awareness.
    
2. Recording the details of the act in the Notary’s journal.
    
3. Certifying the act through a notarial certificate and applying the Notary’s official seal

Common Types of Notarial Acts

• Acknowledgments: Used for documents involving property or assets; the signer confirms their identity and intent.
   
• Jurats: Used for legal documents like affidavits; the signer swears or affirms the truth of the document's contents.
   
• Certified Copies: Confirms that a copy matches the original document; permitted in some states only for specific documents.
   

Each U.S. state or territory has its own laws regarding notarial acts, with some allowing additional duties like officiating weddings.

Ultimately, notarization supports the legal system by providing a trusted method of verifying documents and signatures.

**Make sure you use certificate wording that is acceptable under your own state’s rules.