When Do I Sign a Notarized Document?
To get something notarized, you must sign it in the presence of a notary public. The notary must actually watch as you sign the document. They must also validate your identity.
Pat Kinsel
December 2, 2016
3 min
To get something notarized, you must sign it in the presence of a notary public. The notary must actually watch as you sign the document. They must also validate your identity to be certain you are authorized to sign.
So, DO NOT SIGN your document before meeting the notary public. The notary will either refuse your document or require that you sign it again in front of them. To successfully and legalize notarize your document, wait until you're in the presence of the notary.
Historically, this has meant that you’ve needed to actually find and visit a notary public in-person. This can be a huge hassle for people who don’t have the ability to take time off work or leave home to find a notary public
Notarize solves this problem.
The next time you need something notarized, you can do it online with Notarize.
- Download the App or Register Online.
- Upload any document, but DON’T SIGN IT before uploading it. You must sign before the notary public.
- Fill out the document using Notarize’s digital tools.
- Validate your identity.
- When ready, press to connect with a notary public. You’ll be connected in a live video call with a licensed notary public in less than three minutes, 24×7.
- Sign using your iPhone or Computer as the notary public watches over live video.
- Wait as the notary public notarizes your document online (typically less than one minute)
- You’re done! Download your notarized PDF.
- Print it or share it online.
On average, our entire process takes less than 5 minutes. We hope you’ll join the countless happy customers who have notarized their documents online with us.
