What Do I Need to Notarize a Document?

Nikita M.

Media-savvy content creator, with a curiosity for all Salesforce experiences.

Updated: May 13th, 2025

When you prepare for notarization, you guarantee a smoother process. If you are unsure where to start, join us in the article below. We will cover these two popular internet questions, one from a notary public and the other from a client’s perspective:

What does a notary need to notarize a document?

What do I need to bring to get a document notarized?

Let’s get started! 

Common Types of Documents That Need Notarization

First, we should mention that creating accurate and legal documents is essential for helping notary publics perform their duties well, which include verifying the signer’s signature and willingness to sign. 

However, not every piece of paperwork that exists needs to be a notarized document. So, let’s briefly examine what kind of documents need to be notarized, specifically in the United States.

Legal and Financial Documents

Many legal and financial documents need to be notarized to prevent arguments from arising later in agreements. Real estate contracts and loan agreements fall into this category. When these documents are notarized, its content is considered valid and enforceable by law. 

Real Estate and Property Forms

In the real estate industry, you will find particular documents that need to be notarized. These include deeds and mortgage agreements, to name a few. Notarizing these forms ensures your documents are authentic and enforceable when buying and selling property. 

Medical and Personal Documents

Regarding medical documents in the United States, medical authorizations for minor documents are one example of paperwork that needs to be notarized. Medical records requiring international notarization include health certificates and medical letters. 

When it comes to personal documents that require notarization, these are the ones that fall into this category:

Powers of Attorney

Wills

Guardianship

Affidavits

What You Need to Bring to a Notary Service

Whether it’s your first time notarizing a document or you just need to double-check your process as a notary public, knowing what is needed to notarize a document is always a good idea. So, to answer this question for both readers, here is a list of items you need to take to a notary service.

#1 Valid Photo Identification

The first thing to pack in your file is your government-issued identification document. This document contains your photo to prove your identity, as well as your name and date of birth. Here are a few types of valid photo ID options:

Driver’s License

Passport

State-Issued Photo ID

Military ID

#2 The Complete, Unsigned Document

Of course, you also need to take the document that needs to be notarized. Remember to check you have all the pages in the document and leave the signing to be performed in front of the notary public. 

#3 Additional Signatories (If Applicable)

In some agreements, documents require more than one signer, like witnesses. Make sure to inform these signers that they need to be present at the notary public’s appointment. 

#4 Payment for Notary Services

Not all notary publics offer their services for free. Ask the notary public how much they charge when you make an appointment for their services. Then, take money with you to pay the notary public.

That is essentially what is needed to notarize a document in the United States. If you prefer to notarize your documents via online services, but don’t know where to start, check out our Can You Notarize without the Person Being Present article. 

See you soon!

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