Yes, you can generally notarize a handwritten document in Arizona, provided it meets all other standard notarization requirements. The fact that a document is handwritten does not, by itself, prevent it from being notarized in Arizona or most other states.
Understanding Notarization of Handwritten Documents
A notary public's role is to verify the identity of the person signing a document and to witness their signature, ensuring it's done willingly and knowingly. It's crucial to understand that notarization does not validate the content or legality of the document itself. For instance, if a document is illegal or invalid due to its content, notarization will not make it legal or valid. The notary primarily focuses on the signer and the signing act, not on judging the document's substance.
For a handwritten document to be notarized, it must:
- Be Legible: The text must be clear and understandable to both the signer and the notary.
- Contain Complete Information: It should be fully completed before the notary performs the act. Notaries cannot help draft or complete the document's content.
- Include an Appropriate Notarial Certificate: Every document requiring notarization must have a notarial certificate. This is the specific wording that the notary completes and signs, indicating the type of notarial act performed (e.g., acknowledgment, jurat). This certificate can be pre-printed on the document, attached as a separate loose certificate, or handwritten by the notary if necessary and compliant with Arizona law.
Key Requirements for Notarizing Any Document in Arizona
When seeking to notarize a handwritten document in Arizona, be prepared to meet these standard requirements:
- Personal Appearance: The signer must personally appear before the notary public.
- Valid Identification: The signer must present a valid form of identification, such as a state-issued driver's license, state identification card, or passport, that verifies their identity to the notary's satisfaction.
- Willingness to Sign: The signer must be willing to sign the document (or acknowledge their signature) and appear to be acting freely and without coercion.
- Awareness: The signer must appear to be aware of what they are signing. While the notary doesn't verify the document's content, they must ensure the signer is not under duress or incapacitated.
- Notarial Certificate: The document must contain or have attached the correct notarial certificate for the desired act. Common notarial acts in Arizona include:
| Notarial Act | Purpose | Common Certificate Wording Begins With |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | Verifies the signer's identity and confirms they voluntarily signed the document. | "State of Arizona, County of ___, The foregoing instrument was acknowledged..." |
| Jurat | Used when the signer must swear to or affirm the truthfulness of the document's contents, and the signature is witnessed by the notary. | "State of Arizona, County of ___, Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me..." |
| Copy Certification | The notary certifies that a presented copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document. (Certain documents may not be copy-certifiable). | "State of Arizona, County of ___, I certify that this is a true and accurate copy..." |
For more detailed information on Arizona notary laws and requirements, you can refer to the Arizona Secretary of State's Notary Public Reference Manual.
What a Notary Public Looks For
A notary public's primary responsibilities when presented with any document, including a handwritten one, include:
- Verifying the signer's identity.
- Ensuring the signer understands the nature of the notarial act being performed.
- Confirming the signer is acting willingly.
- Completing the notarial certificate accurately.
- Recording the notarial act in their journal (as required by Arizona law).
Important Considerations for Handwritten Documents
While handwritten documents are generally acceptable for notarization, here are some practical tips:
- Clarity is Key: Ensure the handwriting is as clear and legible as possible. Illegible documents may cause issues or be rejected by the recipient later on.
- Completeness: Fill out all blanks and necessary information before presenting the document to the notary. Notaries are prohibited from assisting with the drafting or completion of legal documents.
- Provide Certificate Space: If the document doesn't have pre-printed notarial wording, leave adequate space for the notary to write or attach a separate certificate.
By adhering to these guidelines, your handwritten document can be successfully notarized in Arizona.
