Notary Resources & Blog

If you have ever been asked to have a document notarized, you may have wondered why it is necessary. The answer goes to the heart of what a notary public does — and why notarization has been a cornerstone of legal and financial transactions for centuries.

What Is Notarization?

Notarization is the official process by which a commissioned notary public verifies the identity of a signer, confirms they are signing willingly and of sound mind, and witnesses the signing of a document. The notary then completes a notarial certificate and applies their official seal.

In Florida, notaries are commissioned by the Governor's office and are authorized to perform specific acts defined under Florida Statutes Chapter 117.

The Three Core Purposes of Notarization

1. Fraud Prevention — By verifying government-issued photo ID, a notary helps ensure the person signing is who they claim to be. This protects all parties involved in a transaction.
2. Deterring Coercion — A notary confirms the signer is acting of their own free will. If someone appears to be under duress or pressure, the notary has a duty to refuse the notarization.
3. Document Integrity — Notarization provides an official record that a specific person signed a specific document on a specific date. This creates accountability and a chain of evidence.

Common Documents That Require Notarization

Notarization is required or strongly recommended for a wide range of documents, including:

• Powers of attorney
• Real estate deeds and mortgage documents
• Wills and living wills
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Vehicle title transfers
• Contracts and business agreements
• Medical and financial directives
• Travel consent letters for minors
• Loan closing documents

What Makes a Notarization Valid?

For a notarization to be legally valid in Florida, several conditions must be met:

• The signer must personally appear before the notary (in person or via approved RON platform)
• The signer must present satisfactory proof of identity
• The signer must be mentally competent and acting voluntarily
• The notary must complete the appropriate notarial certificate
• The notary must affix their official seal and signature

Why Does It Matter?

Documents that require notarization often carry significant legal or financial weight. A power of attorney can give someone broad authority to act on your behalf. A deed transfers property ownership. An affidavit is a sworn statement used in legal proceedings. Notarization adds a layer of protection and credibility to these important transactions — and in many cases, is legally required for the document to be accepted by courts, lenders, or government agencies.

When you hear the word jurat, you might picture a courtroom or a legal drama — but in everyday notary practice, a jurat is one of the most common notarial acts performed. Understanding what a jurat is, and how it differs from an acknowledgment, can help you make sure your documents are notarized correctly the first time.

Defining a Jurat

A jurat is a notarial certificate in which the signer swears or affirms under oath that the contents of a document are true, and signs the document in the physical presence of the notary. The notary administers the oath or affirmation and witnesses the signature.

The typical jurat certificate language reads something like:

Key Elements of a Jurat

• The signer must appear in person before the notary (or via approved RON)
• The signer must sign in the notary's presence — pre-signed documents cannot be used for a jurat
• The notary must administer an oath or affirmation — this is what distinguishes a jurat from other notarial acts
• The signer swears the contents are true — making a false statement on a jurated document can constitute perjury

Jurat vs. Acknowledgment — What's the Difference?

These two notarial acts are often confused, but they serve different purposes:

Common Documents That Use a Jurat

• Affidavits (financial, residency, heirship, etc.)
• Sworn statements for insurance or legal claims
• Depositions and court-related declarations
• Immigration and government forms requiring a sworn oath
• Certain business or employment declarations

Can a Notary Choose Which Certificate to Use?

No. A Florida notary should not choose the notarial certificate on behalf of the signer. The type of notarization required is typically specified in the document itself. If the document does not specify, the signer should consult the document preparer or an attorney — not the notary.

What Happens During a Jurat Appointment?

Here is what to expect when you need a jurat notarization:

1. Bring the unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID
2. The notary will review the document and confirm you understand you are swearing to its contents
3. The notary will administer an oath or affirmation
4. You will sign the document in the notary's presence
5. The notary will complete the jurat certificate, sign, and apply their official seal

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is transforming the way individuals and businesses complete important documents. Instead of traveling to a notary, eligible documents can be notarized securely online using audio-video technology and identity verification tools.

1. Convenience from Anywhere

Complete your notarization from home, the office, while traveling, or virtually anywhere with an internet connection.

2. Save Time and Avoid Travel

No driving, waiting rooms, or scheduling conflicts. Online notarization allows you to complete eligible documents without leaving your location.

3. Secure Identity Verification

Online notarization platforms use credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, and secure technology to verify signer identities and help prevent fraud.

4. Flexible Scheduling

Many online notaries offer extended availability, including evenings and weekends, making it easier to schedule around your busy life.

5. Perfect for Long-Distance Transactions

Whether parties are located in different cities or across the country, online notarization helps keep transactions moving without delays.

6. Every Session Is Recorded and Securely Stored

Remote Online Notarization sessions are conducted through secure audio-video technology and are recorded as required by law. This creates a verifiable record of the notarization and provides additional protection for all parties involved.

7. Access Records When You Need Them

Unlike traditional paper-only transactions, electronic records can be securely stored and retrieved when needed. This can be especially helpful if questions arise later regarding the notarization.

24/7 Accessibility

Online notarization offers unmatched flexibility. Many platforms allow clients to schedule appointments around their availability, making the process more convenient than traditional business-hour appointments.

Is Online Notarization Right for You?

Remote Online Notarization is ideal for many personal, business, and real estate documents. If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, contact a qualified online notary for guidance.