Why Do I Need to Get a Document Notarized?

Sometimes document legalization can leave you confused or frustrated. You may find yourself asking:

“Why do I even need this notarized?”

The short answer is a simple answer: Because the end party is asking for it. Something within their system has a threshold that will only accept a document that has been sealed by a notary public.

The longer answer is that the circumstances in which a notary public is necessary are vast and varied. Each situation is unique.

A quick story

Someone once came to our office after submitting a document to a bank. They thought their signature alone was enough. The bank rejected the document and said it must be notarized.

After they reached out to our office, we assisted them and we never heard from them again — which usually means the problem was solved.

Whether or not something needs to be notarized depends on the instructions of the third party asking for it.

If you're ever unsure, be intentional to get clear instructions from the party requesting the document.

Notarization isn’t about making things complicated. It’s about giving your document the credibility, formality, and verification that someone on the other end requires before they can accept it.