Notaries do NOT notarize documents.

                                   Thank you, Bob. 

Not something I had given much thought to, but I bet there are plenty of people who don't realize this, Bob.

Good distinction, Bob. I'm glad I caught this in Kathy Streib 's weekly "ah-ha" moments.

Thanks for the explanation as I am sure a lot of people do not realize this or even think about a notary.......notarizes the signature not the document.

That is so true, I have my notary and that's the first thing people say is: "Can you notarize my document" and I plainly state, I'm notarizing your signature and verify they are who they say (sign) they are.  Thanks for sharing.

Bob, we often carry ideas that have no validity to them.

You have provided a valuable insight that leads us to the truth.

Thanks

Yes - I was a notary at one time, and I never glanced at the contents of the documents. I only checked to make sure the person signing was the right person.

I made a client and her attorney really angry once because I refused to notarize her husband's signature when he wasn't there. She argued that "You know his signature." Sorry. No.

So, if a notary wants to ensure the signature signer comprehends what they're signing, the notary isn't required to determine their state of being? Simply attest that the document is signed by the named person on the document, is that correct? Seems strange, doesn't it?

Well, there you are! Plain and simple. 

Notaries perform notarial acts, as authorized by law. There might not be a customer document or signature.

I can administer a verbal oath of office to an elected official. There is no paper document to sign and no document signature, only an entry in my notary journal.

I can place a witness under oath to tell the truth, under penalty of perjury. There is no paper document to sign and no document signature, only an entry in my notary journal.

I can make a certified copy of an original document, such as a college diploma. There is no signature of the person presenting the original document, only an entry in my notary journal.

I can make a certified copy of a notary journal entry upon request. There is no document or document signature, only an entry in my notary journal.

I can attach an acknowledgment certificate to a document if the signer confirms they have signed the document knowingly and willingly for the intended purpose. I do not have to see them sign the document.

I can attach a jurat certificate to a document if the signer swears or affirms the statements made in the document are true and correct, under penalty of perjury. I must see them sign the document.

I must use satisfactory evidence and reasonable care to identify the signer, to prevent fraud, and observe for signs of coercion or duress.

Some states authorize other notarial powers, where there is no customer document or signature, such as verifying the contents of a safe deposit box, verifying a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), certifying that an event has occurred, issuing a subpoena, or solemnizing a marriage.

Black's Law Dictionary, Notarized Document definition: A document which has been authenticated by the signature of the relevant individual and the signature of the notary public who acts as a witness to the signature. This document is then given the impression of the official notary seal.

TheLaw.com Dictionary defines Notarized Document as a document that has been signed by a notary public and contains the notary seal.