What type of notarization do I need?
Almost any document can be notarized. Here are some of the most commonly requested notarizations.
Acknowledgement
Taking an acknowledgement RCW 42.45.010(1) and (8); RCW 42.45.030(1): RCW 42.45.140(1) and (2) A notary who takes an acknowledgement confirms that the person before them was the signing party on a document that has already been signed. In this case, the notary has to confirm not that the document is being signed during the notarial act, but that the document was signed in the past and that the signing party before the notary was the signing party for the original signature.
Witnessing or attesting signatures
Witnessing or attesting signatures RCW 42.45.010(8); RCW 42.45.030(3); RCW 42.45.140(4) Witnessing or attesting a signing party’s signature can be done in one of two ways: • Witness the signature taking place, by having the signing party physically present to sign the document. • If the document is already signed, then the signing party can have the signature attested instead, where the signing party signs a second time in the notary’s presence.
Administering oath or affirmation
Administering oath or affirmation RCW 42.45.010(8) Administering an oath or affirmation is by itself a simple process. The notary asks the swearing party to raise their right hand and either swear an oath or solemnly affirm that they will perform an action or uphold a specific standard based on the situation. For example, these are commonly used for swearing an official into office, where the new office-holder swears to uphold the standards of that office. Because taking an oath or affirmation is primarily a verbal act, there is no certificate associated with it.
Taking verification of an oath or affirmation
Taking verification of an oath or affirmation RCW 42.45.010(8); RCW 42.45.030(2); RCW 42.45.140(3) This notarial duty, also known as a “jurat,” is a combination of witnessing a signature and administering an oath. There are three steps that a notary will perform as part of this act: • First, the signing party brings a written statement to the notary to be verified. • Second, the notary has the signing party raise their hand and either swear an oath or solemnly affirm that the contents of the document are true. • Finally, after the oath, the signing party signs the document in front of the notary.
Certifying or attesting a copy
Certifying or attesting a copy RCW 42.45.010(8); RCW 42.45.030(4); RCW 42.45.130(5) A notary who certifies or attests a copy of a document is verifying that the document in question is an exact copy of another document. The notary must compare the copy with the original document and determine that the copy is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction of the original. The simplest way to ensure that the copy meets this standard is for the notary to make the copy themselves when possible. The notary, however, should avoid copying public documents that indicate that they should not be copied. Copies of these documents should be obtained ahead of time by the person requesting the certification.
Certifying or noting a protest of a negotiable instrument
Certifying or noting a protest of a negotiable instrument RCW 42.45.010(8); RCW 42.45.030(5) As of July 1, 2018, a Washington notary is only allowed to certify and note protest of negotiable instruments under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney or a licensed financial institution such as a bank. This act requires specialized training and specific circumstances, so only notaries who are acting under the narrow circumstances permitted by statute duty should perform this act.
Certifying an event has occurred or an act has been performed
Certifying an event has occurred or an act has been performed RCW 42.45.010(8); RCW 42.45.140(6); WAC 308-30-110 A notary may certify that an event has occurred or an act has been performed based on personal knowledge or “satisfactory evidence,” which often refers to the oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally known to the notary. When relying on the oath or affirmation of a witness, the act is very similar to performing a jurat, in that you will have the witness swear an oath or affirmation that the event occurred or the act was performed, then will have the signing party sign the document documenting that event or act. If the notary is relying on their own observations, they may skip this and simply notarize the document. Keep in mind that just like with a jurat, if a notary is relying on the oath or affirmation of a third party reliable witness, that reliable witness should be someone that the notary has a personal enough connection such that they would be willing and able to testify to that relationship in court.