Acknowledgment
You declare to the notary that the signature is yours and that you signed willingly.
In plain words: “Yes, that's my signature, and I meant to sign it.”
Example: Many deeds and powers of attorney use acknowledgments.
Plain-language guide
Someone told you to “get it notarized.” This page explains, in plain words, what a notary actually does, what to bring, and — just as important — what that stamp does not do.
The stamp certifies the signing — not the paper's promises.
A notary's signature and seal say: this person appeared, showed who they are, and signed (or swore) in front of me. That is the whole job, and it matters — but it is narrower than most people think.
Notarization is an official witness process. A notary public — a person commissioned by the state — checks who is signing, watches the signing, and certifies those facts with their signature and official seal.
It proves the signature is the real signer's. It does not prove anything written in the document is true.
Think of the notary as a trusted witness hired by the state — not as a judge of the document, and not as your lawyer.
Secretary of State handbooks across the states describe the same core job: screen the signer for identity, willingness, and awareness. Here is how that looks in the room.
You appear in person and show acceptable identification, normally a government-issued photo ID. The notary compares the photo, the name, and the signature to the person standing there.
The notary watches for signs you are being forced, rushed, or pressured by someone else. If it does not look willing, the notary should not go ahead.
The notary checks that you understand you are signing the document in front of you. You do not have to agree with every line — but you do have to be aware of what you are doing.
Then the notary finishes the paperwork. They complete the notarial certificate wording attached to the document — the short paragraph that states what act was done — sign it, and apply their official seal.
Many notaries also record the act in an official journal: the date, the type of document, and who signed. That record is part of why the process is trusted later.
Most notarizations are one of these two. The document or the office asking for it usually says which one is needed.
You declare to the notary that the signature is yours and that you signed willingly.
In plain words: “Yes, that's my signature, and I meant to sign it.”
Example: Many deeds and powers of attorney use acknowledgments.
You must sign in the notary's presence and swear or affirm that the contents are true.
In plain words: “I am signing this now, in front of you, and I swear what it says is true.”
Example: Sworn statements and affidavits use jurats.
These are examples to help you recognise the words when you see them — not a full list of every notarial act. If you are not sure which act your document needs, ask the person or office that asked for the notarization.
Bring these, and the visit is usually short:
The complete document — unsigned. Several notarial acts require the signing to happen in front of the notary. Wait and sign when they tell you.
Your government photo ID. The name on the ID should match the name you will sign.
Every other person who must sign. Each signer generally has to appear and be identified too — one person cannot usually “bring in” another person's signature.
A finished document. If a page is missing, or blank lines are still meant to be filled in, the notary may not be able to proceed. Fill in what needs filling in before you go — except the signature.
A notary is not your lawyer. Unless a notary is separately a lawyer, they cannot give legal advice, explain what the document means for you, or prepare documents for you. That limit protects you as much as anyone — legal advice should come from someone licensed and responsible for giving it.
Notaries commonly work at banks, shipping and copy stores, law offices, county offices, and courthouses. Call ahead — hours and whether an appointment is needed vary by place.
The most a notary may charge is set by each state's law, and the amounts vary by state. Expect a small per-signature fee, and ask when you call so there is no surprise.
Examples include real estate deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, and some vehicle title transfers. Whether your document needs notarization is set by the law or by the organization asking for it.
Some states allow remote or online notarization. The rules differ sharply by state — your Secretary of State's notary page governs what is allowed where you live.
This page follows the general duties as stated in official state notary guidance. In Oklahoma, the Secretary of State commissions notaries public.
Facts checked November 2026.