Frequently Asked Questions

Notarization involves a notary checking the signer’s identity and completing the required notarial act. The process and requirements depend on the document and applicable rules.

A notary is authorized by a state to perform certain notarial acts. Your assigned notary reviews whether they can handle your request.

Ask the receiving organization which document and notarial act it requires. Upload a readable PDF and let your notary review it. Eligibility varies; do not assume that an identity document, vital record, will, or other document can be notarized through this service.

RON lets you meet a notary through a video session instead of meeting in person. NotaryBerry guides you through document preparation, identity verification, the meeting, payment, and downloading your signed PDF.

Prepare your PDF, a payment method, a working camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Follow the identity requirements shown in your session, which may include a valid photo ID and the last four digits of your SSN.

Create your account, complete your profile and signature, then choose Notarize now. Enter a session name, upload the PDF, add a payment method, and choose a schedule. Review the summary before submitting. Your session page shows what to do next.

Use the requirements provided by the receiving organization. Answer the document questions accurately, including whether it has room for the notarial wording and seal. Ask your notary if you are unsure how to proceed.

Availability depends on the commissioning state, your location, the document, and the receiving organization’s requirements. Confirm eligibility with your notary before proceeding.

Some banks, libraries, or notaries may offer free services for certain documents. Check their requirements and hours. NotaryBerry offers online sessions subject to notary availability; review the displayed fees before you begin.

Confirm the document and signing requirements with the receiving organization or your legal adviser. Your notary must review whether the requested act can proceed. Upload the version you intend to sign and follow the notary’s instructions.

An affiant is the person making a sworn written statement, commonly called an affidavit. If your document requires an oath or affirmation, follow the notary’s instructions during the session.

An acknowledgment involves confirming that you signed a document for its stated purpose. Follow the notary’s identity and acknowledgment instructions. It is different from a jurat, which involves an oath or affirmation about the document’s contents.

A jurat involves signing and taking an oath or affirmation about a document’s contents before the notary. Confirm the required act with the receiving organization and follow the notary’s instructions.

Use a supported browser such as Chrome or Safari on a device with a working camera and microphone. Allow the requested permissions and use a stable internet connection. Keep the session page open when the meeting opens in a new tab.

Check the date, time, and time zone carefully. The form shows the session time in your local time. Leave enough time for account setup and identity checks. A scheduled request still needs a notary to accept it.

Follow the steps shown in your session. These may include knowledge-based questions and photo ID verification. Start timed questions only when you are ready, and follow the displayed attempt limits. Refreshing the page does not restore used attempts. See the customer guide for recovery steps.