If you’ve ever needed to validate a legal document, you may have come across the terms notarization and attestation. While they sound similar, they serve different purposes, and mixing them up can lead to delays or document rejection. Here’s what you need to know to avoid confusion.

What is Notarization?

Notarization is a formal process done by a commissioned notary public. It involves verifying a signer’s identity, ensuring they’re signing willingly, and applying a notary seal to confirm everything checks out.
A notary’s role includes:

• Checking government-issued ID
• Confirming the signer is acting without pressure
• Ensuring the document is complete before notarizing

Common notarizations include affidavits, jurats, acknowledgments, oaths, affirmations, and certified copies. These acts carry legal weight and are often required for real estate, financial, and legal transactions.

What is Attestation?

Attestation is the act of witnessing someone sign a document and confirming it was done in their presence. It doesn’t always require a notary, though one may be used depending on the context.

In attestation:

• A witness is present during signing
• They may sign to confirm authenticity
• The role may be filled by a notary, lawyer, embassy official, or even a neutral third party

Attestation is often used for wills, educational records, ID verification, or documents going overseas, especially when working with embassies or consulates.

Key Differences

Who Performs It

• Notarization: A commissioned Notary Public
   
• Attestation: An authorized witness or official (not necessarily a notary)
   

Purpose

• Notarization: To verify identity, willingness, and understanding of the signer
   
• Attestation: To witness the signing and confirm the document’s authenticity
   

Legal Status

• Notarization: Legally binding and recognized in court
   
• Attestation: May not be legally binding unless accompanied by notarization
   

Jurisdiction

Notarization: Governed by state or provincial notary laws
Attestation: Varies depending on institutional or international requirements

When to Use Each
Use notarization for:

• Affidavits, declarations, oaths
• Real estate and loan documents
• Government forms that require a notary

Use attestation for:

• Academic documents sent abroad
• Embassy or visa applications
• Wills and powers of attorney
• Employment forms like the I-9 (in some cases)

Sometimes, a document needs both, notarization first, followed by attestation for international use. Always check the recipient’s requirements.

Global Differences

Requirements vary depending on where the document will be used:

• United States & Canada: Notarization is formalized; attestation may be informal unless required by a foreign entity.
• United Kingdom: Solicitors often handle attestation; notarization isn’t always needed.
• India: Attestation is often essential for international documents, sometimes involving the Ministry of External Affairs.
• International Use: Some documents require apostille or legalization, especially if going to a country outside the Hague Convention.

How Notable Notary Can Help

Whether you need notarization or attestation, Notable Notary makes the process easy and stress-free.

Here’s how we support you:

Clear Process: Step-by-step instructions so nothing gets missed

Verified Notaries: Work with trained professionals who understand your document requirements

Remote or In-Person: Choose what works best for you

International Guidance: We help with embassy requirements, apostille steps, and more