Starting out as a notary can feel overwhelming — there’s a lot to learn, and it’s easy to get tripped up if you don’t understand the different types of notarizations. Don’t worry! Mastering the basics is completely doable. This post will walk you through the most common types of notarizations so you can feel confident when that first client hands you a document.
What it is:
In an acknowledgment, the signer confirms that they willingly signed the document. They don’t have to sign it in front of you, and you don't administer an oath, but they must appear before you to acknowledge that it’s their signature.
When it's used:
Key points:
What it is:
In a Jurat, the signer swears (or affirms) that the contents of the document are true.
When it's used:
Key points:
Tip: If a client asks, "Can you just notarize this form I already signed?" and it needs a Jurat, the answer is no — they’ll need to resign in front of you. If they already signed it, you could have them produce a new copy or sign the document again.
What it is:
These are standalone acts where you administer a verbal oath (a promise to a higher power) or affirmation (a promise on personal honor) without any paperwork involved. I have only ever performed this one time, but if you work for an attorney or court you may be performing them often.
When it's used:
Key points:
What it is:
You certify that a copy of an original document is true and correct.
When it's used:
Important:
What it is:
You watch someone sign a document and then notarize it. I
When it's used:
Key points:
As of now, states that specifically authorize notaries to perform signature witnessing as a distinct notarial act include:
Important:
Knowing the type of notarization required is crucial for every appointment. The signer may not always know what they need, so being able to explain the basics (without giving legal advice) will make you stand out as a professional.
Pro Tip: Always read the notarial certificate attached to the document — it will tell you what kind of notarization is needed. And when in doubt, refer the signer to the document issuer or an attorney for guidance.
The more you practice, the more second-nature this all becomes. Stick with it — you're building a valuable skill set that can take you far in the notary business!
and what you can do to improve it
As a notary public, your financial health plays a significant role in your ability to run a successful business. While many people associate bad credit with personal financial struggles, it can also have a direct impact on your notary business in ways you might not have considered. Here are some key ways bad credit can affect your notary business and what you can do to improve your financial standing.
Did you know that many Signing and Title Companies will not send a notary with a low credit scores on assignments for them? Daniel Lewis, who used to own a signing company called Lewis Signing Service, informed me that he used to have signing and title companies call him and want to check credit scores of the notaries in his database before working with them. They cited the reason was that if the notary has a low credit score, it could create a conflict of interest. The notary may seek to get out of their bad financial situation, if introduced to a viable opportunity.
2. Higher Bond and Insurance Costs
Notaries are required to obtain a surety bond to protect the public, and in most cases, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. If you have bad credit, insurance companies may see you as a higher-risk individual, leading to increased premiums or even denial of coverage. This can make it more expensive to stay in compliance with state requirements and protect yourself from potential legal issues.
If you plan to expand your notary business, invest in marketing, or purchase new equipment, you may need financing. Bad credit can make it difficult to secure a business loan, and even if you do qualify, the interest rates may be significantly higher. This can limit your ability to grow and take advantage of new opportunities.
Many notaries use business credit cards to manage expenses, purchase supplies, or handle travel costs for mobile notarizations. With a low credit score, you may struggle to get approved for a business credit card with favorable terms. Instead, you could be stuck with high-interest rates or be forced to use personal funds, which can blur the lines between your business and personal finances, creating a liability risk.
If you’re a notary who wants to work from an office instead of a home-based setup, landlords often run credit checks before approving lease agreements. Bad credit could result in higher security deposits, stricter lease terms, or outright denial, making it harder to secure a professional workspace.
If you’re dealing with bad credit, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to rebuild your financial health and protect your notary business:
Work with a Credit Counselor: If necessary, seek professional guidance to develop a plan for improving your credit score.
Bad credit doesn’t have to define you or your notary business, but it can create unnecessary hurdles if left unaddressed. By proactively managing your credit and making smart financial decisions, you can ensure that your business remains stable, professional, and positioned for success. Take control of your financial future today and watch your notary business thrive.
Jocelyn Waters is a seasoned Notary Public, Escrow Agent, and Certified Loan Signing Specialist based in St. George, Utah. With over 17 years of experience, she has successfully conducted more than 25,000 mortgage closings and real estate transactions, along with over 15,000 general notarizations, including wills, trust documents, powers of attorney, and auto loan purchases.
Beyond her notarial work, Jocelyn is a financial planner and real estate investor. She is also the co-author of "Amplify Your Notary Income," a guide aimed at helping notaries expand their business and increase their earnings. In her personal life, Jocelyn enjoys mountain biking, pickleball, traveling, hiking, camping, and boating. She is a mother of two and is a wonderful wife.
If you are interested in getting your Will & Trust set up, please email me @ watersnotary@gmail.com I work with a network of attorney's in all 50 states that do it for an incredible price, and you can do it over zoom, and have the Mobile Notary come to you, so you never have to leave the house! It's nice to be on the receiving end of that for once, right?
Also, if you want to become a Mobile Notary to do Trust Signings for this company, let me know!
Here is everything you have ever wanted to know about Notary services (and then some).
A Notary Public in Utah is authorized to perform various services, such as:
When visiting a Utah Notary, make sure you have the following:
As mentioned, Utah law prohibits a Notary from notarizing documents where they are a party to the transaction or have a direct financial interest in the document. They also cannot notarize for immediate family members (e.g., spouse, parent, child, or sibling).
This ensures that the Notary is unbiased and not influenced by personal or financial interests in the transaction.
Utah is one of the states that allows Remote Online Notarization (RON). This means that, in some cases, you can have a document notarized remotely via a video call with a Notary Public, as long as the Notary is registered and authorized for RON in Utah.
Utah Notaries are required to maintain a journal of notarial acts. This journal should include details such as:
This helps ensure transparency and can be used as evidence in case of disputes. Notaries may charge a fee for providing a copy of their journal entry.
Some legal documents require witnesses in addition to notarization. Notaries in Utah may not act as a witness in these cases, since they have a duty to remain impartial. If you need a witness to sign along with the notarization, you’ll need to arrange for someone else to be present.
Utah Notaries are commonly used in real estate transactions, especially for deeds, mortgages, and other property-related documents. If you’re closing on a home or involved in any property transfer, a Notary will be required to verify your signature and ensure the transaction is legitimate.
Notaries in Utah generally work during regular business hours, but many are available by appointment outside standard times. Mobile Notaries can offer more flexibility for late or weekend notarizations.
