How to Get Something Notarized

Make sure the document you want notarized is complete and contains no blank spaces. If the document is in a foreign language, you must attach an English translation to it.

If you do not personally know the notary public:

• You must bring a form of identification that the notary can use to confirm your identity. This could be a valid driver’s license, non-driver’s ID, or passport. The name on your identification must match the name on your document.
• And are not able to provide identification, a credible witness may swear to the notary that they know you and that you have the identity claimed. The witness must personally know the notary public or be able to provide acceptable identification to the notary public.

The notary will examine the document to ensure it is complete.

If the document contains blanks, you will need to either:

• Add a dash or “n/a” to the blanks
• Confirm to the notary that the blanks are to be completed after the document is notarized

The notary will confirm your identity as the signer. This can be done in one of the following ways:

• Personal Knowledge – This is the easiest method to verify your identity. In this instance, the notary personally knows you and can attest to your identity.
• Identification Card or Papers – This method of verifying a person's identity involves examining the photograph, accurate physical description, and signature on the provided identification.  Examples include a valid driver's license, non-driver's ID, or passport.
• Credible Witness – A credible witness is a third person who has personal knowledge of your identity. The credible witness must verify on oath or affirmation your identity. The notary must be able to identify the credible witness by personal knowledge or based on an identification card or papers.

The notary will view the notarial certificate on the document to identify the type of notarization needed (acknowledgment, verification on oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, or copy certification). If the document does not contain a notarial certificate, you must choose which notarial certificate is needed. The notary should not select the notarial certificate. 

Explore Types of Notarization

The notary will finish the notarization by completing the notarial certificate, signing the document, and placing a clear impression of their notary stamp on the document.

There are different types of notarizations:. 

• Acknowledgment – person who signed the document acknowledges their signature and declares that they signed the document for the purposes stated within the document.
• Verification on Oath or Affirmation (also known as Jurat) – person who signs the document swears or affirms that the information contained within the document is true.
• Witnessing or Attesting a Signature – signing of the document is simply witnessed or attested by the notary public.
• Copy Certifications – notary public certifies that a copy of a document is an exact match of the original.

If you are physically unable to sign the document due to a disability, you may instruct another person (other than the notary) to sign your name in the notary’s presence. The notary will ask questions to ensure that you understand the document. 

No additional procedures are required by law if you sign by way of mark instead of using a signature. If you sign this way, the notary will add the proper notation to indicate that you signed by way of mark.

Most notarizations take place in person. However, certain situations may require that an electronic document be notarized or it may not be possible for you to physically appear before a notary public. North Dakota law allows notaries public commissioned in this state to perform electronic and remote notarizations. 

Electronic notarizations are performed on electronic documents rather than paper documents.  Remote notarizations may be performed on paper or electronic documents, but must take place online using audio and visual technology. 

More Information on Electronic and Remote Notarizations