Acknowledgments

An acknowledgment is a notarial act in which the signer confirms that they signed a document willingly. The document may already be signed before the signer meets the notary.

When to Use

• Real estate documents (deeds, mortgages)
• Contracts
• Powers of attorney

Used when identity and willingness need to be confirmed.

Real Example: A client brings in an already-signed property contract. - The notary verifies the client's ID - The notary asks: "Do you acknowledge that you signed this document willingly?" - The client confirms → notarization is completed

The signer does not need to sign in front of the notary. They only need to personally appear and acknowledge that the signature is theirs.