notarized

Notarized refers to a document or signature that has been certified by a notary public, a licensed official who performs notarial acts. The primary purpose of notarization is to deter fraud by confirming the signer’s identity, witnessing the signature, and, when required, administering an oath or affirmation. A notarized document typically bears a notarial certificate and a seal or stamp.

The notarization process generally requires the signer to appear in person before the notary, present valid photo identification, and sign the document in the notary’s presence. The notary then verifies identity, confirms that the signer understands the document, and that the signing is voluntary. The notary affixes a seal or stamp and records the act, issuing a certificate that states what was done, such as an acknowledgment or a jurat. Notaries may also certify copies or attest the authenticity of a document’s signature, depending on jurisdiction.

Common notarial acts include an acknowledgment, where the signer declares they signed the document and the notary confirms identity and voluntariness; a jurat, where the signer swears or affirms that the statements are true; copy certification, where a notary attests that a copy is a true reproduction of an original; and attestation or protest for certain instruments and procedures.

Notes: A notarization does not guarantee the truth of the document’s content; it certifies the authenticity of the signature and the identity of the signer. Notarial rules vary by country and, in the United States, by state. Some jurisdictions offer remote or online notarization.

See also: legalization, apostille, witness.