What does notarise mean?
Notarise means to formally authenticate a document, signature, or related legal instrument through a notary public. A notary may witness a signature, administer an oath, certify a copy, or perform another legally prescribed act that helps establish authenticity. The process does not ordinarily determine whether the contents of a document are accurate; rather, it verifies the identity of the signer or confirms that the notary has carried out the required formal procedure. The word is especially common in British and Commonwealth English, while American English generally uses the spelling notarize. Notarisation is frequently required for affidavits, deeds, powers of attorney, and certain financial or legal documents, although requirements differ between jurisdictions.
verbTo officially certify a document, signature, or other instrument by having a notary public witness signatures, administer an oath, or otherwise authenticate the act. The word is chiefly British; the US spelling is notarize.
- To officially authenticate a document or signature through the formal acts performed by a notary public.
"The bank asked her to have the document notarised before returning it."
"The affidavit had to be notarised before it could be filed."
"She notarised the agreement after both parties had signed it."
A notarised signature does not make a document true—it makes the act of signing it officially verifiable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does notarise come from?
The verb derives from notary, which comes through Latin from notarius, meaning a secretary or scribe. This ultimately relates to Latin notare, “to mark or note,” the same root behind notation and notarial. The legal sense developed as people and documents came to be officially recorded or attested.
Related word forms
How notarise is actually used
The spelling notarise is standard in British English, while notarize is standard in American English. The precise legal requirements and the authority of notaries vary by jurisdiction.
Easily confused with notarise
To notarise is to formally authenticate a document or signature, whereas to notify is to inform someone of information or an event.