An interior design studio handles much more than fabric swatches and beautiful spaces.

Behind every project is a business dealing with clients, vendors, contractors, property, purchasing, and administrative paperwork.

Occasionally, a designer or studio may encounter a business document, sworn statement, authorization, or other paperwork requiring notarization.

Not every contract needs a notary, of course.

Before scheduling a notary appointment, read the entire document and any accompanying instructions.

Look for information explaining:

• Who must sign

• Whether witnesses are required

• Whether notarization is required

• What type of notarization has been requested

• Whether the receiving organization has provided specific instructions

"I just need someone to witness my signature."

It sounds simple.

But when someone contacts a notary with that request, an important question comes next:

What exactly does the document require?

Watching someone sign a piece of paper and performing an authorized notarial act are not automatically the same thing.

Not sure whether you need an acknowledgment or jurat? Learn why a notary generally cannot choose the notarial act for you.

You arrive at your notary appointment with a document in hand, but there's one problem:

You don't know what type of notarization you need.

Can the notary simply choose for you?

Generally, a notary who is not acting as your attorney cannot select a notarial act on your behalf when doing so would amount to giving legal advice.

Questions to Consider

• Does my document actually require notarization?

• Should I sign before the appointment? (Usually, no unless instructed otherwise.)

• What identification should I bring?

• Are additional witnesses required?

• Is remote online notarization available for my document?

Many people assume notarization and apostille services are the same thing.

While they are often connected, they serve different purposes.

🪪 Notarization

A notarization helps verify:

• the identity of the signer

• willingness to sign

• proper execution of documents

Common delays may occur because of:

• incomplete paperwork

• incorrect notarizations

• missing signatures

• submission errors