What does notarization mean?
Notarization is the formal authentication of a signature, an identity, or another legally recognized act by a notary public, who is an officially commissioned official. A notary may verify the signer’s identity, witness the signing, administer an oath, and apply an official seal or certificate. These procedures create a record that can help establish who acted, when the act occurred, and whether the required formalities were observed. The term is especially common in legal, governmental, financial, academic, and property transactions involving affidavits, deeds, powers of attorney, and similar documents. Notarization does not generally mean that the notary has approved the document’s contents or guarantees that every statement in it is accurate. Instead, it concerns the authenticity of the official act performed in the notary’s presence. Laws governing notarial practice differ across jurisdictions, so the acts that may be notarized and the consequences of the procedure can vary.
nounThe formal process by which a commissioned notary public verifies an identity, witnesses a signature, or certifies another legally recognized act by applying an official seal. The exact scope and legal effect of notarization vary by jurisdiction.
- The official act or process of authenticating a signature, identity, document, or other legally recognized act through a notary public.
"The document required notarization before it could be submitted to the court."
"All signatures on the affidavit had to undergo notarization before the filing deadline."
"The university requires notarization of the document when a student submits it in person."
Uncommon. The word is normally used in the singular or as an uncountable mass noun when referring to the process.
"The clerk listed the notarizations performed that morning."
Notarization usually certifies the identity or the act of signing—not the truth of everything written in the document.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does notarization come from?
The word was formed in English during the early 19th century from “notary” plus the suffix “-ization.” “Notary” comes through Old French from Medieval Latin notarius, a term associated with a secretary or public official, and ultimately from Greek and Latin roots connected with noting or writing. The English verb “notarize” arose at about the same period, with “notarization” naming the resulting formal process.
Related word forms
How notarization is actually used
This is primarily legal and administrative terminology. Its legal effect, permitted subject matter, and procedural requirements depend on the relevant jurisdiction; notarization does not ordinarily guarantee that a document's statements are true.