Navigating the World of Notarization: What You Need to Know

Ever found yourself scratching your head over which documents need that official notary stamp? You’re not alone. Notarization is all about having a trusted professional confirm that you really are who you say you are when you’re signing something important. This could be anything from legal papers to real estate deals, or even healthcare forms.

Here in California, our notaries take extra care to make sure you know exactly what you’re signing and that you’re doing it because you want to, not because someone’s twisting your arm.

But here’s the thing—not every document needs this special seal of approval. So, let’s dive into what can (and can’t) be notarized!

What Can Be Notarized:

• Legal Affidavits: Think of these as promises on paper that you swear are true, and they often pop up in court cases. Without a notary’s touch, they might as well be grocery lists—they need that notarized stamp to matter.
• Real Estate Documents: Our notaries are pros at making sure your property papers are on the up-and-up, from living wills to deeds. And for those looking to go the extra mile, becoming a notary signing agent with the right insurance can open more doors.
• Mortgage Documents: Buying or selling a house? Those papers won’t sign themselves, and a law firm will want a notary’s seal before anything moves forward.
• Commercial Documents: Starting a business and need to lease a space? You’ll need a notary for that paperwork, too.
• Passport Applications: First-timers applying for a passport will need a notary, but if you’re just renewing, you can skip this step.

And that’s just the start—employment contracts, investment forms, insurance documents, healthcare directives, loan agreements, powers of attorney, and even just witnessing a signature—all these can require a notary’s stamp.

What Can’t Be Notarized:

Now, there are times when a notary will have to say no. If there’s white-out on a document (because what’s hiding under there?), if the signer is MIA or the document’s not finished, if the signer seems confused or can’t show proper ID, or if the signer is underage or seems forced—these are all big red flags. And don’t forget, wills and birth or death certificates typically don’t get notarized.

It’s worth noting that turning down a notarization for personal reasons is a no-no. It’s all about following the law to the letter.

Since each state has its own rules and there are always exceptions to the rule, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what can’t be notarized.

Armed with this info, you’re now ready to prep your documents like a pro. And when in doubt, reach out to Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan for all the nitty-gritty details.