What Does It Mean to Have a Document Notarized?
By John F. Heinz, Managing Director, Prismark Signature Services
Published: August 30, 2026
Quick Answer
When a document is notarized, a Notary Public verifies the signer’s identity and completes the notarial act required for the document. The notary completes a notarial certificate and applies the official notary seal.
Notarization adds an official identity-verification step to the signing and helps deter fraud. It does not mean the notary approved the document, independently verified that everything in it is true, or guaranteed that the document is legally valid.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization helps verify the identity of the person signing a document.
- A completed notarial certificate and official seal show that the notarization took place.
- Depending on the notarial act, you may sign in front of the notary or acknowledge a signature you already made.
- Notarization helps deter fraud, but it does not verify that everything written in the document is true.
- The organization receiving your document generally determines whether notarization is required.
- Contact Prismark Signature Services at 213-563-0758 for more information or to discuss your appointment.
Why Does My Document Need to Be Notarized?
Usually, the organization receiving the document wants an independent Notary Public involved in the signing process. The notary verifies the identity of the signer and follows the requirements for the type of notarization requested.
Notarization may be required for real estate documents, Powers of Attorney, estate planning documents, affidavits, business or financial documents, and documents being prepared for use outside the United States.
What Does Notarization Do to the Document?
Notarization adds a completed notarial certificate and the notary’s official seal to the document or as an attached certificate. The certificate records the notarial act that was performed.
It does not make the contents of the document true, approve the transaction, or automatically make the document legally valid. The notary’s role is focused on the notarization and the signer – not on deciding whether the document itself is legally correct.
What Happens When I Meet With the Notary?
You’ll personally appear before the notary and provide acceptable identification. The notary will review the document for the notarial certificate or instructions provided and complete the required notarial steps.
Some documents may already be signed. Others must be signed in front of the notary. Once the required steps are completed, the notary completes the certificate and applies the official notary seal.
Acknowledgment or Jurat?
These are two common types of notarizations in California.
With an acknowledgment, the document may already be signed. You appear before the notary and acknowledge that you signed it.
With a jurat, you sign in the notary’s presence and take an oath or affirmation that the statements in the document are true.
If you’re unsure which type your document requires, the document preparer or receiving organization should tell you. A California notary cannot choose the notarial act for you.
Does the Notarial Certificate Need to Meet California Requirements?
Yes. A notarization performed in California must use certificate wording that meets California requirements. California acknowledgment and jurat certificates include a required consumer notice explaining that the notary verifies the identity of the signer – not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of the document.
If the certificate provided with your document does not meet California requirements, an appropriate California-compliant certificate may need to be attached.
You’re in Good Hands With Prismark
For your peace of mind, Prismark is a bonded California Notary Public, background screened, and carries $1 million in Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Prismark has also earned 200+ five-star Google reviews from clients we have served.
Your important documents are handled with professionalism, confidentiality, care, and clear communication throughout the process.
Professional. Reliable. Responsive.
How Prismark Can Help
If you’ve never had a document notarized before, Prismark Signature Services will make the process easy to understand. We’ll review the document for any notarial certificate or instructions already provided, verify your identification, explain what to expect, and guide you through the signing process for the notarization requested.
Prismark provides professional mobile notary services throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities for real estate and loan signings, trusts and estate planning documents, Powers of Attorney, hospital and healthcare notarizations, business documents, and general notary needs.
When time matters, expedited same-day mobile notary service may be available depending on location and scheduling. If a properly prepared qualifying California document also needs an apostille for use outside the United States, expedited apostille service may also be available.
Contact Prismark Signature Services at 213-563-0758 for more information or to discuss your appointment.
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Professional Notice
The information provided in the Prismark Library is for general educational purposes only. Prismark Signature Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
If you have questions about your legal rights, the contents or legal effect of a document, or which document or notarial act is appropriate for your situation, please contact the document preparer, receiving organization, or a qualified attorney.
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