Notary in the U.S: Which Documents Require Notarization?

In the United States, notarization isn’t just a formal step — it’s often a legal requirement. Without a notary’s seal and signature, many documents won’t be accepted by courts, banks, immigration offices, or other institutions. But how do you know when a document actually needs to be notarized?
Here’s a clear breakdown of the most common types of documents that require notarization — and why it matters.

What Does a Notary Do?
A notary public is a state-authorized official who verifies:

• The identity of the person signing the document
• That the person is signing voluntarily
• The date of signing

The notary does not review the content of the document — only the authenticity of the signature.

Documents Commonly Requiring Notarization

1. Power of Attorney
This document gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf in legal, financial, or medical matters. In most cases, a Power of Attorney must be notarized to be valid.

2. Affidavits
An affidavit is a written statement made under oath. It’s widely used in court proceedings, immigration cases, and financial matters. Notarization is almost always required.

3. Child Travel Consent Forms
When a child is traveling with one parent or another adult, a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent is often required — especially for international trips.

4. Real Estate Documents
Depending on the state, documents like property deeds, mortgage agreements, and loan papers usually require notarized signatures for legal validity.

5. Wills and Trusts
While not all states require notarized wills, having one can help avoid legal challenges later. Trust documents often need notarization to be enforceable.

6. Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification)
Although not a traditional notarization, some employers may ask a notary to act as an authorized representative to verify ID documents. This is especially common for remote employees.

7. Documents for USCIS (Immigration Services)
Various immigration-related documents — such as sponsorship letters, sworn statements, or declarations of support — often require notarization, especially when submitted from outside the U.S.

When Notarization Is Not Legally Required — But Still a Good Idea
Even if it’s not mandatory, notarizing a document adds legal credibility and helps prevent disputes. Examples include:

• Lease agreements between private parties
• Loan or repayment agreements
• Personal contracts and declarations

Need to Notarize a Document?
Whether you're signing a Power of Attorney, preparing for international travel, or submitting an affidavit, notarization can protect your interests and ensure your document will be accepted where it matters most.

Have a document to notarize? Just leave a request below — we’ll help you get it done quickly and reliably.