What does notarize mean?
Notarize is a verb meaning to formally authenticate a document or signature through the actions of a notary public. A notary verifies the signer's identity, witnesses the signature or acknowledgment, and records the act in an official journal. The word is common in legal and financial contexts involving deeds, wills, powers of attorney, affidavits, and similar documents. Notarization does not mean that a notary has verified the truth of every statement in the document; it establishes that the signer appeared before the notary, confirmed their identity, and signed willingly. In American English, notarize is the usual spelling, while British English commonly uses notarise. The distinction between notarization and certification is important: notarization is a particular form of authentication performed by a designated official, whereas certification is broader and can take many forms.
verbTo attest or authenticate a document or signature by the formal verification of a notary public. Notarization confirms the identity of the signer and the voluntary nature of the signing, rather than guaranteeing that the document's contents are truthful.
- To authenticate a document or signature through the formal verification performed by a notary public.
"The lender required the deed to be notarized before the sale could proceed."
"She had her passport copy notarized for the application."
"The contract was notarized by a notary public in the state of Delaware."
A notary does not certify that a document is true; they certify the identity of the signer and the fact that the signature was made voluntarily.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does notarize come from?
Notarize was formed in English from notary with the suffix -ize. The word notary comes through Old French notaire from Latin notarius, a term associated with a secretary or official who took notice of transactions; Latin notarius itself is related to notus, meaning known. The English spelling notarize became especially established in American legal usage, while notarise is the standard British variant.
Related word forms
How notarize is actually used
The spelling is standard in American English; British English generally uses notarise. The term is usually used when a legal, financial, or official process requires an impartial official to verify identity and willingness to sign. Notarization does not establish that the document is accurate or legally valid.
Easily confused with notarize
A notary is the official who performs notarization; notarize is the verb describing the authentication process.
To certify is to make a formal declaration or confirmation, while to notarize specifically involves verification by a notary public.