Starting out as a notary can feel overwhelming — there’s a lot to learn, and it’s easy to get tripped up if you don’t understand the different types of notarizations. Don’t worry! Mastering the basics is completely doable. This post will walk you through the most common types of notarizations so you can feel confident when that first client hands you a document.

1. Acknowledgments

What it is:
In an acknowledgment, the signer confirms that they willingly signed the document. They don’t have to sign it in front of you, and you don’t administer an oath, but they must appear before you to acknowledge that it’s their signature.

When it’s used:

• Real estate transactions (deeds, mortgages)
• Powers of attorney
• Other legal documents that might be recorded with the county

Key points:

• Verify the signer’s identity.
• The signer must personally appear before you.
• The signer can have signed the document earlier, as long as they confirm it’s their signature.

2. Jurats

What it is:
In a Jurat, the signer swears (or affirms) that the contents of the document are true.

When it’s used:

• Affidavits
• Depositions
• Sworn statements

Key points:

• The signer must sign in front of you.
• You must administer an oath or affirmation before notarizing.
• Identity verification is always required.

Tip: If a client asks, “Can you just notarize this form I already signed?” and it needs a Jurat, the answer is no — they’ll need to resign in front of you. If they already signed it, you could have them produce a new copy or sign the document again.

3. Oaths and Affirmations

What it is:
These are standalone acts where you administer a verbal oath (a promise to a higher power) or affirmation (a promise on personal honor) without any paperwork involved. I have only ever performed this one time, but if you work for an attorney or court you may be performing them often.

When it’s used:

• Swearing in witnesses for court
• Swearing in new public officials
• In some cases, preparing sworn statements

Key points:

• No document is necessarily involved.
• You must verbally administer the oath or affirmation.

4. Copy Certifications

What it is:
You certify that a copy of an original document is true and correct.

When it’s used:

• School diplomas
• Passports (in some states)
• Driver’s licenses

Important:

• Not all states allow notaries to perform copy certifications, and some limit the types of documents (e.g., no certifying copies of birth certificates or vital records — those must come from the issuing agency).
• Always double-check your state laws!

5. Signature Witnessing

What it is:
You watch someone sign a document and then notarize it. I

When it’s used:

• Some types of contracts
• Private agreements

Key points:

• The signer must sign in your presence.
• You verify identity and witness the act of signing.

As of now, states that specifically authorize notaries to perform signature witnessing as a distinct notarial act include:

• Colorado
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• North Dakota
• South Carolina
• Virginia

Important:

• In some other states, notaries can witness signatures informally (for example, if you’re just asked to be a witness and not notarize), but “witnessing a signature” as an official notarization type (meaning with a notarial certificate and seal) is only legal in certain states.
• California, Florida, Texas, and many others do not have “signature witnessing” as a separate authorized notarial act — those states mainly deal with acknowledgments and jurats.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the type of notarization required is crucial for every appointment. The signer may not always know what they need, so being able to explain the basics (without giving legal advice) will make you stand out as a professional.

Pro Tip: Always read the notarial certificate attached to the document — it will tell you what kind of notarization is needed. And when in doubt, refer the signer to the document issuer or an attorney for guidance.

The more you practice, the more second-nature this all becomes. Stick with it — you’re building a valuable skill set that can take you far in the notary business!

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