Notarization is an important process used to ensure that documents are legally valid and that the people signing them are who they claim to be. A notary public is a person authorized by the government to witness the signing of these documents and verify the identities of the signers.

A notary public performs several tasks to ensure the integrity of important documents. These include:

• Verifying Identity: The notary checks the identification of all signers to make sure they are who they say they are.

• Witnessing Signatures: The notary watches the signing of the document to ensure it is voluntary and authentic.

• Recording the Event: Notaries often keep a logbook of the documents they notarize for future reference.

• Applying a Seal or Stamp: Once everything is confirmed, the notary places their seal or stamp on the document to certify that it has been notarized.

Now that we’ve covered the role of a notary, let’s dive into the specific types of documents that typically require notarization.

1. Legal Documents

Many legal documents must be notarized before they are considered valid. These documents often involve important decisions or agreements, and notarization helps prevent fraud or disputes. Common legal documents that require notarization include:

• Wills and Testaments: A will is a legal document that outlines how a person's assets and belongings will be distributed after their death. Many states require a will to be notarized to confirm that it was signed willingly by the person who created it.

• Power of Attorney (POA): This document gives someone the authority to act on behalf of another person in legal or financial matters. Notarizing a power of attorney ensures that the person granting the authority is doing so voluntarily and understands the decision they are making.

• Trusts: A trust is a legal arrangement where one person (the trustee) manages assets for the benefit of another person (the beneficiary). The creation of a trust often requires notarization to verify its authenticity.

2. Financial Documents

Notarization is frequently required for financial documents to ensure that all parties involved understand the agreement and are signing of their own free will. Some of the most common financial documents that require notarization include:

• Loan Documents: When taking out a loan, such as a mortgage or car loan, the lender may require the borrower to have the loan agreement notarized. This helps ensure that the borrower understands the terms and conditions of the loan.

• Property Deeds: A deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership of property. Whether it’s for a home, land, or other real estate, the deed often needs to be notarized to verify the identity of the person transferring the property.

• Title Transfers: When buying or selling a vehicle, the title (which shows ownership of the car) often requires notarization to confirm that the sale is legitimate.

• Promissory Notes: A promissory note is a written promise to pay a specific amount of money by a certain date. To make the agreement official and binding, it may need to be notarized.

3. Real Estate Documents

Real estate transactions involve a lot of paperwork, and many of these documents require notarization to ensure their legal validity. Some common real estate documents that often need to be notarized include:

• Mortgage Agreements: A mortgage is a loan used to buy a home, and the agreement between the borrower and the lender often requires notarization. This is to ensure that the borrower fully understands the mortgage terms.

• Lease Agreements: Some states or landlords require lease agreements (especially for long-term leases) to be notarized to prevent future disputes between tenants and landlords.

• Real Estate Purchase Agreements: When buying or selling real estate, the purchase agreement may need to be notarized to confirm that both parties agree to the terms of the sale.

• Quitclaim Deeds: A quitclaim deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of property from one person to another, often without a sale. This document typically needs to be notarized to verify that the transfer is legitimate.

4. Personal Documents

Certain personal documents also require notarization, especially when they involve sensitive or important decisions. Some of the most common personal documents that need notarization are:

• Affidavits: An affidavit is a written statement that is sworn to be true. It often needs to be notarized to verify the identity of the person making the statement and to ensure that it was made voluntarily.

• Marriage Licenses: In some areas, a marriage license may need to be notarized to confirm that both parties are entering the marriage willingly.

• Divorce Papers: Some divorce documents, such as agreements about the division of property or child custody arrangements, may require notarization to ensure that both parties understand and agree to the terms.

• Adoption Papers: Adoption involves a lot of legal paperwork, and many of these documents, including the adoption agreement, often require notarization.

5. Business Documents

For businesses, notarized documents are essential for establishing trust and ensuring that agreements are legally binding. Here are some common business-related documents that often need notarization:

• Business Contracts: Whether between companies or individuals, some business contracts require notarization to ensure that all parties are entering the agreement willingly and understand the terms.

• Articles of Incorporation: This document establishes a business as a legal entity (such as a corporation or LLC). In some cases, articles of incorporation need to be notarized to confirm their authenticity.

• Partnership Agreements: When two or more people form a business partnership, the partnership agreement may need to be notarized to make it legally binding.

• Vendor Agreements: These agreements, which outline the terms of a relationship between a business and a vendor, may require notarization to prevent future disputes.

6. Travel Documents

Certain travel-related documents require notarization to ensure the safety and legality of travel, especially for minors. Common travel documents that may need notarization include:

• Parental Consent Forms: If a child is traveling without one or both parents, a notarized parental consent form may be required by airlines or border control to confirm that the child has permission to travel.

• Passport Applications for Minors: In some cases, a parent’s signature on a child’s passport application may need to be notarized to verify their consent.

7. Medical Documents

Medical decisions are often highly sensitive and personal, making notarization necessary for certain medical documents to ensure they reflect the patient's true wishes. Common medical documents that require notarization include:

• Advance Directives: This is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment if they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. Notarizing an advance directive ensures that the patient’s decisions are followed.

• Healthcare Power of Attorney: Similar to a general power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney gives someone the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of another person. This document often requires notarization to ensure that it is valid and legally binding.

• Living Wills: A living will is a type of advance directive that specifically deals with end-of-life care. 

8. Educational Documents

In some situations, notarization is required for educational documents to prove their authenticity. Common educational documents that may need notarization include:

• Diplomas and Transcripts: When applying for jobs or further education in another country, you may need to have your diploma or transcript notarized to confirm that it is genuine.

• Student Loan Documents: Some student loan agreements, especially those involving cosigners, may require notarization to ensure that everyone understands the terms of the loan.