A notary, or notary public, is a person commissioned by the state to be an impartial witness when documents are signed. Their job is simple to describe and important to get right: make sure the person signing is who they say they are, that they are signing willingly, and that the signing is recorded properly.
Here is what a notary does, what a notary can’t do, and what to bring when you need one.
Meet a New York notary on secure video in minutes, 24/7, from anywhere in the U.S. Notarize online now →
What a notary public does
Every notarization has the same core steps:
- Verify identity. The notary checks a current government photo ID, or uses another method the state allows when someone has no ID.
- Confirm willingness and awareness. The notary makes sure the signer is not being pressured and understands they are signing a document.
- Witness the signature or the oath. Depending on the document, the signer either signs in front of the notary or acknowledges a signature, and may swear or affirm that the contents are true.
- Complete the notarial certificate. The notary signs and adds their commission details, usually with a notary stamp.
The two notarial acts you will see most often are the acknowledgment, used on deeds, powers of attorney and contracts, and the jurat, used on affidavits and sworn statements. The difference is explained in acknowledgment vs jurat.
Why documents need to be notarized
Notarization is a fraud deterrent. Banks, courts, county clerks, the DMV and government agencies want to know that the person who signed a document really signed it. A notary creates that proof by identifying the signer in person and leaving an official record of the act.
What a notary can’t do
- Give legal advice. A notary cannot tell you which document you need, what to write in it or what it means for you, unless they are also an attorney.
- Vouch for the contents. A notarization confirms who signed. It does not mean the notary checked whether the document is true, accurate or legally valid.
- Certify copies of vital records. In New York, a notary cannot certify a copy of a birth certificate, diploma or passport. Certified copies come from the agency that issued the original.
- Notarize for someone who is not present. Every signer must appear, in person or on a live video session for online notarization.
- Act as a notario publico. In many countries a notario is a lawyer. A U.S. notary public is not. See notario publico is not a notary public.
What to bring to a notary
- A current, unexpired government photo ID whose name matches the document
- The complete document with no blank spaces
- Every person who needs to sign, each with their own ID
- Witnesses, if your document requires them
Do not sign before the notary is watching. A signature added in advance usually means starting over with a fresh copy. If you do not have ID, see the ways New York lets a notary identify you.
The ways you can get something notarized
In person. You go to the notary, at a bank, a shipping store or a notary office.
Mobile notary. The notary comes to your home, office, hospital or nursing home. You pay the notarial fee plus a travel fee. See our mobile notary service in NYC.
Remote online notarization. You meet a commissioned notary on a secure video call. In New York this is authorized under Executive Law section 135-c, and you can be anywhere in the U.S. while a New York notary performs the act.
How much a notary costs
In New York the notarial fee is capped by law at $2 per act in person and up to $25 per act online. Travel, after-hours and convenience fees are separate. The full breakdown is in how much does a notary cost in NY.
Frequently asked questions
What's a notary in simple terms?
A notary, or notary public, is a person commissioned by the state to act as an impartial witness. They confirm that the person signing a document is who they say they are and is signing willingly, and they can administer oaths. Then they complete a notarial certificate on the document.
What does it mean to get something notarized?
It means a notary watched you sign, or heard you acknowledge your signature, after checking your identification, and then completed a notarial certificate with their signature and commission details. It proves who signed, not that the document is true or legal.
Can a notary give legal advice?
No. Unless they are also a licensed attorney, a notary cannot give legal advice, tell you which document you need, draft legal documents or explain what a document means for you. In New York, a notario publico from another country is not the same as a notary public and is not a lawyer.
What do I need to bring to a notary?
A current, unexpired government photo ID such as a driver license, state ID or passport, and the complete document with no blank spaces. Do not sign it beforehand. Every person signing must be present with their own ID.
Can a notary notarize online?
Yes, where the state allows it. New York has allowed remote online notarization since 2023. You meet a New York notary on a secure video call, your ID is verified, and the document is signed and notarized electronically.
How much does a notary cost?
In New York the notarial fee is capped at $2 per act in person and up to $25 per act for online notarization. Mobile notaries add a separate travel fee. Other states set their own maximums.
Related reading
- How to notarize a document in NYC, step by step
- Notary seal vs notary stamp
- The most common notarized documents
- How to become a notary in New York
This is general information, not legal advice. NotarEaseNYC is a New York notary practice, not a law firm, and is not affiliated with any state agency. Rules and fees change; always confirm current requirements with the official state office named above.