Contract Glossary
Notarization
Definition
The process of having a notary public verify the identity of the person signing a document and witness the signature. Notarization doesn't validate the content of a document, it confirms that the person who signed it is who they claim to be.
In Practice
Some documents require notarization by law, real estate deeds, powers of attorney, and certain affidavits. For regular business contracts, notarization isn't usually required but can add a layer of authentication. Many states now allow remote online notarization (RON), where the process happens via video call.
Common in these contract types
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