What is a Notarized Letter?

Key Takeaways

• A notarized letter is a document that’s been signed in the presence of a neutral, authorized official called a notary public.
• A notarized letter is typically needed when you’re signing important legal, financial, or administrative documents.
• There are a few steps of preparation in having a letter notarized, such as bringing the unsigned letter and a valid government ID.
• NotaryPro offers remote online notarization services that allow for a convenient option to save time and travel expenses while still providing enhanced security.

You may be asked to provide a notarized letter when completing legal, financial, or administrative paperwork. But what exactly is a notarized letter, and why does it need to be notarized?

What is a Notarized Letter?

A notarized letter is a document that’s been certified by an authorized official called a notary public. This is done after the notary verifies the signer’s identity, that they’re signing voluntarily, and that they’re aware of the content and implications of the document. A notary does not, however, verify the truth, accuracy, or legal validity of the contents within a document. Notarization fees and requirements may also vary depending on the state, which should be checked beforehand.

When Might You Need a Notarized Letter?

You’ll generally need a notarized letter or document when you’re signing legally binding information, making sworn statements, or presenting documents to a government or international institution.

Some examples where you would need a notarized letter include:

• Travel consent letters
• Proof of residency letters
• Financial support letters
• Affidavit-style statements
• School or administrative requirements

How Does a Letter Become Notarized?

The process of having a letter notarized involves a few steps of preparation and presentation of a valid identification in the presence of a notary. The process typically follows the procedure of:

1. Preparing the letter/document: It’s important to make sure that the letter isn’t signed yet because notaries require that it be signed in their presence.
2. Bringing valid identification: Present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification so the notary can verify who you are.
3. Meeting with a notary: The notary will verify your identity and make sure you understand what it is you’re signing.
4. Signing in the notary’s presence: The notary will watch as you handwrite your signature in ink on the letter or document.
5. Receiving the notary seal or certificate: The notary will then complete the letter by signing it and adding their official stamp or seal.

Can You Get a Letter Notarized Online?

Yes, remote online notarizations are done by online notaries. These don’t require the signer and notary to meet physically in the same location; the signing is instead completed using two-way audio-video technology, and it makes use of electronic documents, signatures, and seals. The process starts with scheduling an appointment, followed by you uploading your letter or document, verifying your identity, joining your online appointment, signing electronically, and finally, receiving your completed letter or document. 

It’s also important to check for any state-specific requirements because some states, like Florida, Texas, and Virginia, may have their own acceptable forms of identification to bring, their own process, or different price ranges. Remote online notarizations are convenient options for when you have an urgent letter or document, if there are no nearby notaries near you, or if you want to save time and expenses required for traveling to in-person appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a notarized letter make the contents legally true?

It does not. A notary public acts as an official and impartial witness rather than an editor, investigator, or legal advisor.

Can I write my own notarized letter?

In many cases, yes. You can often write your own notarized letter, particularly for personal statements such as travel consent letters, proof of residency letters, or financial support letters. However, some organizations may require a specific template or have an attorney prepare the document. Always follow any instructions provided by the organization requesting the letter. Once the letter is complete, you’ll sign it in the presence of a notary public, who will verify your identity and complete the notarization.

What identification do I need?

You’ll need a government-issued ID to verify your identity, and some notary publics may need you to complete processes like knowledge-based authentication.

Get Your Letter Notarized Online

Remote online notarizations allow documents to be completed via two-way audio-video technology and make use of electronic documents, signatures, and seals. When going to your scheduled appointment, it’s important to remember to bring the proper ID and the unsigned letter. If there’s an urgent letter or document that you need signed, remote online notarizations like the ones NotaryPro offers are a convenient option that not only allows you to save on travel time and costs but also provides the same efficiency and security that you deserve. Get your letter notarized in no time and book your online notary appointment today.