Unusual Things People Get Notarized (That Are Actually Totally Normal)

When most people think of notarization, they picture signing for a mortgage or handling a will. But as a notary, I can tell you — the world of documents is a lot stranger (and more fun) than that. In fact, there are plenty of “unusual” requests that cross my desk all the time. Here are a few you might not expect:

1. Permission Slips for Travel

No, not the ones for school field trips. Parents often need a notarized letter giving permission for their child to travel with the other parent, a grandparent, or even with a sports team. Airlines and border officials love that extra stamp of approval.

2. Vehicle Release or Towing Forms

Your car gets impounded? Or you’re authorizing someone else to pick it up? Yup — that signature often needs a notary. (Not glamorous, but necessary!)

3. Retirement & Pension Forms

It sounds official (and it is), but many pension offices require notarized proof of life affidavits — basically, confirming you are still you and, importantly, still alive. Strange to think about, but very routine.

4. Identity Theft or Fraud Affidavits

If someone uses your name, credit, or even medical info, you might need to swear under oath that it wasn’t you. Unusual? Yes. Common? Also yes.

5. Adoption or Guardianship Paperwork

These can be deeply personal documents, but notarization is a way of ensuring that everyone involved is verified and accountable. It’s a little surreal to stamp something so life-changing, but it’s part of the job.

6. Lost Document Affidavits

Lost your stock certificate? Car title? Promissory note? There’s a notarized affidavit for that. It feels odd, but it’s a very standard fix.

So, What’s the Point?

Notarization isn’t just about the “big scary” legal papers. It’s about everyday life — travel, finances, vehicles, even proof of life. What might feel unusual to you is often a very normal part of my notary stamp’s daily routine.