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Notary Services

Acknowledgements

Confirm before a notary that you signed your document willingly. Common for deeds, powers of attorney, contracts and agreements.

About this service

An acknowledgement is one of the most common notarial acts in New York. The signer personally appears before the notary, is identified, and declares that they signed the document willingly. The notary then completes an acknowledgement certificate confirming that this took place. Acknowledgements are often required for deeds, powers of attorney, contracts, agreements and other documents that will be recorded or relied on by others.

It helps to know what an acknowledgement does and doesn’t do. The notary confirms who signed and that the signer acknowledged the signature as their own, freely given. The notary does not verify that the contents of the document are true, accurate or legally effective. A notary who is not an attorney also cannot tell you whether your document needs an acknowledgement, which certificate to use or what the document means. If you have questions about the content of your document, please speak with an attorney.

To keep things simple, bring your complete document and wait to sign until you’re with the notary, since you may be asked to sign in front of the notary. Each signer must appear before the notary, whether at our Brooklyn office, through our mobile notary service or by video for a remote online notarization, with a current government-issued photo ID.

What we can help with

  • Deeds and other property documents
  • Powers of attorney
  • Contracts and agreements
  • Business and corporate documents
  • Acknowledgement certificate completed by the notary

How it works

  1. Step 1: Bring your document

    Bring your complete document with no blank spaces, and wait to sign until you’re with the notary.

  2. Step 2: Verify your identity

    The notary checks your current, government-issued photo ID and confirms it matches the name on the document.

  3. Step 3: Acknowledge your signature

    You sign, if asked to, and declare to the notary that you signed the document willingly.

  4. Step 4: Certificate completed

    The notary completes and signs the acknowledgement certificate.

What to bring

  • A current, valid government-issued photo ID
  • Your complete document with no blank spaces
  • Every signer who needs to acknowledge the document
  • Any certificate wording or instructions from the recipient

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to sign in front of the notary?

For an acknowledgement, you must personally appear before the notary and declare that the signature is yours. You may be asked to sign in front of the notary, so the safest approach is to wait to sign until you’re at your appointment.

Does the notary check whether my document is correct?

No. The notary verifies your identity and your acknowledgement, not the truth or legal effect of the contents. Please have an attorney review the document if you have questions about it.

Can several people acknowledge the same document?

Yes. Each signer must appear before the notary with their own valid photo ID. It’s easiest if everyone comes to the same appointment, or you can ask about our mobile notary service.

Which documents usually need an acknowledgement?

Deeds, powers of attorney, contracts and many agreements commonly use acknowledgements. The document itself or the person requesting it will usually tell you which notarial act is needed.

Notary Services

General Notary Work

Affidavits, consent letters, powers of attorney and everyday forms notarized in Brooklyn by a New York notary public.

Notary Services

Remote Online Notarizations (RON)

Have your document notarized from home over a live video call with a New York electronic notary. No trip to the office needed.

Notary Services

Mobile Notary Services

We bring the notary to you at home, at work, or in a hospital or care facility in Brooklyn and nearby areas of New York City.

Not sure which service you need?

Call us or send a quick request. We’ll point you in the right direction and get you booked.