Notary Services, Explained: What's Included and What Isn't

A breakdown of what notary services actually cover — from standard acknowledgments to loan signings — and how to access them online.

What Falls Under "Notary Services"?

"Notary services" covers a specific set of notarial acts a commissioned notary
is authorized to perform. The most common:

• Acknowledgments — the signer confirms they signed the document voluntarily. Used for deeds, powers of attorney, and most contracts.
• Jurats — the signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true, under oath. Used for affidavits and sworn statements.
• Copy certifications — the notary certifies that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original (not available for every document type in every state).
• Oaths and affirmations — administered without an accompanying document, for situations like depositions.

Notary Services That Require Something Extra

Some notary services come with additional requirements:

• Loan signings require a notary familiar with mortgage and refinance paperwork — order of documents, where initials go, and timing requirements.
• Real estate closings often require in-person notarization depending on the state and the title company's requirements.
• I-9 and immigration documents generally cannot be notarized — immigration forms are typically outside the scope of standard notary services.

Getting Notary Services Online

NY Notary offers notary services through live video sessions with a commissioned
New York State notary — acknowledgments, jurats, and standard affidavits, with a
flat $25 per signature. Upload your document, verify your ID, and get the
notarial act completed without visiting an office.

See Available Notary Services