A notary public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary role is to verify the identity of the signers, ensure all parties are signing willingly and knowingly, and help prevent fraud. Notarization adds a layer of trust and legal validity to documents used in personal, financial, and legal matters.

You may need a notary when signing documents that require legal verification or are used in official transactions. Common examples include real estate forms, affidavits, power of attorney, wills, and financial agreements. If your document requires a notarized signature or you’re unsure, it's best to consult the document instructions or ask the requesting party.

Please bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) to verify your identity. Also, bring the document(s) you need notarized—unsigned, as many documents must be signed in the notary’s presence. If witnesses are required, check in advance whether you need to provide them or if the notary can.

In Washington State, notaries are required to maintain a notary journal—a secure, chronological record of each notarial act performed. The journal includes key details such as the date, type of notarization, names of the signers, type of identification presented, and a description of the document. This record helps ensure accountability, provides legal protection, and supports the integrity of the notarial process.