Notarization

A notary public is a government-authorized official who verifies your identity and witnesses your signature on documents, then applies an official seal (notary stamp) to confirm the signature is genuine. Notarization adds a layer of authenticity to documents — by certifying that the person who signed is who they claim to be, and that the signature was made voluntarily in the notary's presence.

For name changes, notarization is required in some states for the petition itself, for supporting affidavits, or for certain forms submitted to private institutions. Not all states require a notarized petition — some states allow self-verified petitions with a simple signature. Your state's specific requirements will tell you whether notarization is needed for your petition or any supporting documents.

Notary services are widely available and typically inexpensive: banks and credit unions, UPS stores, libraries, courthouses, and many law offices offer notary services, often for $5–$15 per signature. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to any notarization — the notary is required to verify your identity before witnessing your signature.

If your state requires a notarized petition or affidavit, submitting a document without notarization will result in rejection and a need to refile. Check your state's name change requirements before signing any documents — a few minutes with a notary before filing can save weeks of delay.

Notarization is distinct from certification. A notarized document confirms that a specific person signed it voluntarily. A certified copy of a court order confirms that the copy is a genuine reproduction of the court record. These serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.