What Types of Documents Can Be Notarized in the United States?

Introduction

Notarization adds an important layer of security and trust to legal and financial documents in the United States. Whether you’re handling real estate, business, court, or personal matters, a notary confirms identity, witnesses signatures, and helps protect against fraud.

But what exactly can a notary public notarize? Here’s a clear breakdown of the most common types of documents eligible for notarization — and what you should prepare before your appointment.

1. Affidavits and Sworn Statements

Affidavits are among the most frequently notarized documents. These are written statements where the signer swears or affirms that the information is true.

Examples include:

• Identity affidavits

• Affidavits of support

• Financial affidavits

• Property ownership affidavits

• Affidavits for court filings

A notary administers an oath or affirmation before the document is signed.

2. Powers of Attorney (POA)

Notaries regularly notarize Durable, Medical, Financial, or Limited Powers of Attorney.
These documents allow someone to authorize another person to act on their behalf.

Notarization helps ensure the POA is:

• Signed voluntarily

• Completed correctly

• Acceptable to banks, hospitals, or government offices

Some states also require witnesses for certain types of POAs.

3. Real Estate Documents

Real estate transactions depend heavily on notarization because documents are often recorded with a county.

Common documents include:

• Deeds (Quitclaim, Warranty, Grant, Trustee, Executor deeds)

• Mortgage or Deed of Trust

• Seller’s affidavits

• Closing disclosures

• Loan modification forms

• Real estate contracts (if required by the receiving agency)

• Homestead declarations

Many lenders will not fund a loan without proper notarization.

4. Title Transfers (Real Estate, Vehicles & Mobile Homes)

A notary may be required to notarize signatures for:

• Real property title transfers

• Car or motorcycle title transfers (varies by state)

• Boat, trailer, or RV titles

• Mobile home titles

Notarization helps prevent fraud and ensures proper ownership changes.

5. Business and Corporate Documents

Notaries can notarize a wide range of business documents, including:

• Partnership agreements

• Articles of incorporation (if required)

• Corporate resolutions

• Vendor contracts

• Authorized signer forms

• Compliance statements

• Commercial leases

This helps verify business identity and authority.

6. Financial and Banking Documents

Banks, lenders, and government agencies often require notarization for financial forms such as:

• Loan applications

• Equity or refinance documents

• Investment authorizations

• Withdrawals over certain amounts

• Debt settlement agreements

• Hardship letters

Some institutions require notarization before processing requests.

7. Family and Personal Documents

Notaries frequently notarize everyday personal documents such as:

• Consent letters for minor travel

• Name change documents

• Parental authorizations

• Marriage or prenuptial agreements (when notarization is required)

• School and university documents

• Identity verification letters

These notarizations add legitimacy and prevent disputes.

8. Employment and HR Documents

Employers may request notarization for:

• Employment verification letters

• Background check authorizations

• Remote work documents

• Professional licensing forms

• I-9 forms (where authorized)

Note: I-9 forms are often handled by an “authorized representative,” not always a notary.

9. Immigration-Related Documents (Where Legally Allowed)

Notaries can only notarize signatures, not give immigration advice.

Allowed:

• Affidavits

• Translations (if the notary is fluent and signs as a translator)

• Identity verification forms

• Signed letters

Not allowed:
 Completing immigration forms
 Advising clients on immigration options

Only attorneys or accredited representatives may do that.

10. International Documents (Apostille + Notarization)

Many documents used overseas must be notarized first, then authenticated with an apostille.

Examples:

• International business documents

• Real estate transfers abroad

• School records

• Birth/marriage/death certificate copies

• Passport copies (depending on the state)

• Dual-citizenship paperwork

Notaries handle the first step — notarizing the document or certified copy.

Documents That Cannot Be Notarized

Notaries cannot notarize:

• Original birth, marriage, or death certificates

• Documents with blank spaces

• Documents the signer does not understand

• Photos or images

• Wills (in states where witness-only rules apply)

• Anything requiring legal advice or interpretation

You must bring complete, finished documents.

Conclusion

From real estate closings to business contracts, affidavits, and personal letters, notaries in the United States can notarize a wide range of documents — as long as they involve a willing signer, proper identification, and a complete document.

Understanding what can be notarized helps you prepare for your appointment and avoid unnecessary delays.

At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we provide secure, reliable, and convenient notarization services for all document types — in person, mobile, or online nationwide.