Top 40 Most Common Documents Notarized in the US

From personal paperwork like affidavits and wills to business contracts and immigration documents, notarization plays a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and legality of countless transactions. As a leading enotary provider, we understand how critical it is to have a clear understanding of the most commonly notarized documents, so you can stay prepared and well-informed. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 40 most common documents notarized in the US, providing you with valuable insights into their purpose and importance.

Whether you’re an individual in need of a notarized power of attorney or a business owner finalizing a partnership agreement, this article is your go-to resource for understanding which documents require notarization and how our eNotary services can simplify the process for you. So, let’s dive in and discover the essential documents you may encounter in your personal and professional life that require the trusted seal of a notary public.

1. Affidavits: A sworn statement of facts made under oath, usually for legal proceedings or applications.
2. Power of Attorney: A legal document that grants an individual the authority to act on another person’s behalf in financial or legal matters.
3. Last Will and Testament: A legal document outlining how an individual’s assets will be distributed and who will be responsible for their estate after their death.
4. Living Trusts: A legal arrangement where a person, known as the grantor, transfers their assets into a trust, managed by a trustee for the benefit of beneficiaries.
5. Deeds: Legal documents that transfer property ownership, with variations like Grant Deeds (guaranteeing no outstanding claims), Quitclaim Deeds (transferring interest without guarantee), and Warranty Deeds (guaranteeing clear title).
6. Mortgage documents and loan agreements: Legal agreements outlining the terms of a loan for purchasing real estate, including the borrower’s obligations and rights.
7. Promissory Notes: Written promises to repay a specified sum of money, usually with interest, within a specified timeframe.
8. Bill of Sale: A document that transfers ownership of goods or personal property from one party to another.
9. Prenuptial Agreements: A legal contract between prospective spouses, specifying the division of assets and responsibilities in case of divorce or death.
10. Divorce Decrees: A court document finalizing a divorce, outlining the terms of the divorce settlement.
11. Adoption Papers: Legal documents formalizing the process of adopting a child, including parental rights and responsibilities.
12. Child Custody Agreements: Legal agreements outlining the terms of custody, visitation, and support for children following a divorce or separation.
13. Parental Consent Forms: Documents in which a parent or guardian grants permission for a minor to participate in specific activities or receive specific services.
14. Travel Consent Forms for Minors: Written permission from a parent or guardian allowing a minor to travel without them, often required for international travel.
15. I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Forms: A U.S. government form used to verify an employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
16. Lease/Rental Agreements: Contracts between landlords and tenants outlining the terms and conditions of renting residential or commercial property.
17. Contractor Agreements: Legal contracts between businesses and independent contractors, detailing the terms of their working relationship and project scope.
18. Business Contracts and Agreements: Legally binding documents outlining the terms of a business relationship, such as partnerships, joint ventures, or service agreements.
19. Non-disclosure Agreements: Contracts that restrict parties from disclosing confidential information shared during a business arrangement.
20. Articles of Incorporation: Documents filed with a state agency to officially establish a corporation, including its purpose, structure, and stock information.
21. Operating Agreements for LLCs: Legal documents outlining the management, ownership structure, and operating procedures of a limited liability company.
22. Partnership Agreements: Contracts between partners in a business, specifying the terms of their relationship, including profit distribution and management responsibilities.
23. Corporate Bylaws: Internal rules governing the management and operations of a corporation, including shareholder meetings and board of director procedures.
24. Stock Purchase Agreements: Legal documents outlining the terms of a stock purchase, including price, closing date, and any representations or warranties.
25. Commercial Lease Agreements: Contracts between landlords and commercial tenants, specifying the terms and conditions of renting a business property.
26. Vehicle Title Transfers: Documents transferring ownership of a vehicle from one party to another, often required for registration and licensing.
27. DMV Documents: Forms related to the Department of Motor Vehicles, including odometer disclosures, duplicate title applications, and other vehicle-related transactions.
28. Medical Directives: Legal documents outlining an individual’s preferences for medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated, including living wills and Do Not Resuscitate Orders.
29. Healthcare Power of Attorney: A document granting a designated person the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual who is unable to do so.
30. Guardianship Authorization Forms: Legal forms used to grant temporary or permanent guardianship of a minor or an adult with disabilities to a designated person.
31. Educational Documents: Records related to an individual’s education, such as transcripts, diplomas, and letters of recommendation, often notarized for international use or official purposes.
32. Passport Applications: Forms submitted to obtain a passport, sometimes requiring notarization to verify the applicant’s identity and citizenship.
33. Visa Applications: Documents filed to request permission to enter a foreign country for a specific purpose (e.g., travel, work, or study), occasionally needing notarization for authentication.
34. Immigration Documents: Forms and supporting documents used in the immigration process, such as petitions, applications for adjustment of status, and affidavits of support, sometimes requiring notarization.
35. Financial Planning Documents: Legal agreements and forms related to investments, retirement accounts, and estate planning, often notarized to verify the authenticity of signatures.
36. Insurance Claims and Settlements: Documents filed to initiate an insurance claim or finalize a settlement, with notarization sometimes needed to confirm the identity of the claimant or beneficiary.
37. Tax Forms and Documents: Legal documents related to tax filing, such as income tax returns, power of attorney for tax matters, or tax appeal forms, occasionally requiring notarization.
38. Authorization to Release Personal Information: A document granting permission for a third party to access an individual’s personal information, such as medical or financial records, often requiring notarization.
39. Consent to Background Check Forms: Written permission from an individual allowing a potential employer or other organization to conduct a background check, sometimes needing notarization.
40. Sworn Statements and Declarations: Written statements made under oath, asserting facts or information as true, often used in legal proceedings or applications and requiring notarization for authentication.

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