Require a Witness for Documents
The article explains how to require a witness for document signing by either having the signer bring their own physically present witness or using an On-Demand Witness from the Notarize Network during the meeting, detailing the process for adding witnesses, the signer's responsibility to meet state or document-specific witness requirements, and the steps to set witness requirements when preparing documents for notarization.
The short answer: Set a witness requirement when preparing a transaction so the signer brings their own witness or uses On-Demand Witness during the meeting.
A witness is an additional person who is not a party to the transaction and is present to observe the signing of the document.
Proof does not provide legal advice, including advice about witness requirements. If you're unsure whether a witness is required, ask the receiving party or consult your legal counsel.
How Witnesses Work
Signers have two options to provide witnesses during their notarization meeting:
- Bring their own witness: The witness must be in the same physical location as the signer. (There are exceptions for Florida real estate transactions.)
- Use On-Demand Witness: The notary calls a witness from the Notarize Network during the meeting.
The signer is responsible for ensuring that witnesses meet any state or document-specific requirements. For example, if two witnesses are required, the signer must provide two witnesses.
What Happens During the Meeting
The notary can add a witness in two ways during the meeting:
- Call an On-Demand Witness: The notary calls a witness from the Notarize Network.
- Add the signer's witness: The notary adds the witness, and a form appears on the signer's screen for the witness to complete with their information.
Witnesses should be prepared to show a valid photo ID.
Require a Witness
To require a witness for a transaction, follow these steps when preparing your document.
1. Upload and prepare your document
Add all necessary fillable fields to your document before configuring witness requirements.
2. Check the witness requirement box
Under the eye icon in the document actions menu, check the box to require a witness for this document.
This requirement applies individually to each uploaded document. If you have multiple documents in one transaction, check the witness option only for documents that require a witness.
Summary Checklist
- Upload and prepare your document with all necessary fillable fields.
- Check the witness requirement box under the eye icon for each document that requires a witness.
- The signer brings their own witness or uses On-Demand Witness during the notarization meeting.
Still Unsure?
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