Who Needs a Notary Public?

Yuriko Jacobs
Jul 3
3 min read

Let’s clear something up—people hear “notary public” and assume we only work with lawyers, mortgage companies, or banks that still fax things like it’s 1998. Not true.

Notaries help all kinds of people. You might need one sooner than you think. Here’s the real deal on who needs a notary—and why.

People Signing Legal Documents

This one’s obvious. If it’s legal, important, or binding, there’s a good chance it needs to be notarized. Think powers of attorney, affidavits, sworn statements, divorce agreements, name change docs. The kind of stuff where the government or court wants proof it was signed correctly by the right person—not their neighbor or their dog-sitter.

Homeowners, Renters, and Real Estate Agents

Buying a house? Refinancing? Signing loan paperwork that’s taller than your average toddler? You need a notary. Leasing a place? Some rental agreements or lease addendums might need notarization, especially when out-of-state or involving large deposits.

Pro tip: Notaries don’t just help sign real estate paperwork—they help verify identity, deter fraud, and make the whole process more secure.

Medical Decision-Makers

If you’re putting together an Advance Health Care Directive or giving someone medical power of attorney, California wants that notarized. These aren’t just forms—they’re instructions that affect life-and-death decisions. That’s not something you want left to chance or guesswork.

Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Running a business? You might need a notary for contracts, corporate documents, or even permits. If you’re entering a partnership, forming an LLC, or signing anything that impacts your livelihood, bring in a notary to make it official.

Bonus: It makes you look more legit. Because you are.

Parents and Guardians

Do you need to permit someone else to take your kid out of the country? Is the school asking for guardianship documents? Want to hand over temporary medical authority to Grandma while you're out of town? Notarize it. It gives everyone peace of mind and keeps things above board.

Seniors and Their Loved Ones

Estate planning is a big one. Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and property transfers—these documents often need notarization. And not just for legal reasons, but to help avoid confusion, disputes, or shady behavior later on.

And if you’re helping a loved one handle their affairs? A mobile notary who can come to them (like yours truly) can make all the difference.

Everyday People Handling Life’s Curveballs

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be rich, old, or going to court to need a notary. Life throws us all kinds of situations:

Lending or borrowing money and want it in writing
Writing a personal statement for immigration
Certifying a copy of an important document
Making a sworn statement for insurance
Mailing something to a government office that says, “Must be notarized”

If you’re dealing with paper that matters, a notary helps make sure it’s valid, binding, and safe.

Final Thought

Notaries aren’t just for big institutions. They’re for real people handling real moments—some exciting, some stressful, some life-changing. So, who needs a notary public? Probably... you.

When that moment comes, don’t Google “notary near me” and roll the dice. Reach out to someone who takes the job seriously—and treats you like a person, not just a signature. I’m Yuriko with Paladin Notary LLC. Mobile. Professional. Trustworthy by oath and seal.

Need help? I’m just a message away.