Real Estate Notarization: Your Questions Answered

In most states, deeds must be notarized to be recorded with the county recorder's office. Some states may allow unnotarized deeds under certain circumstances, but notarization is standard and highly recommended. Check your county's recording requirements.

Some mortgage documents can be notarized remotely in states that authorize RON, but many lenders have their own requirements. Some require in-person notarization. Always confirm with your lender before using RON for mortgage documents.

Common real estate documents requiring notarization include: deeds, mortgages, promissory notes, deed of trust, easement agreements, property powers of attorney, and mineral rights documents. Not all states require notarization for all of these—verify local requirements.

No. A notary cannot notarize documents to which they are a party. If you're selling property and signing as a party to the transaction, you cannot be the notary for that document. Use a different notary.

Closing disclosures are typically signed but not notarized under federal law (TRID). However, other closing documents like deeds and loan documents usually require notarization. Verify what requires notarization with your title company or attorney.

In-person notarization usually takes 10-20 minutes. For real estate closings with multiple documents, allow 30-60 minutes. Online notarization may take longer due to identity verification steps. Many notaries offer same-day or next-day services.

Yes, quitclaim deeds can and often must be notarized to be recorded. The notary verifies the identity of the grantor (person transferring the property) and confirms they're signing voluntarily. Quitclaim deeds transfer whatever interest the grantor has.

A notary can typically still notarize an already-signed document if they can verify the identity of the signer and the signature was made voluntarily. However, this is less common. For original signings, use a notary before signing.