Obtaining notarized documents

A notarized document has been verified by an authorized notary. Many official processes ask for it. COMMON USES • Powers of attorney • Affidavits and declarations • Copies of documents certified as true • Signatures on legal papers WHERE TO GET ONE • In the US: Notaries are available at banks, shipping stores, and law offices. Some states offer online notarization. • In Israel: A notary (notaryon) is a licensed lawyer. Fees are set by regulation and can be a bit high. STEPS • Bring the document and valid photo ID. • Sign in front of the notary, not before. • Pay the fee and get the stamp and signature. TIPS • Ask the requesting office exactly what they need: a notary, an apostille, a translation, or all three. • Do not sign until the notary says to. • If a document will be used in Israel and was notarized in the US, it often needs an apostille next. • Ask about a notary who speaks English.