Does a Promissory Note Need To Be Notarized?

iEditorial Note: These blog posts represent the opinion of DoNotPay’s Writers, but each person’s situation and circumstances vary greatly. As a result, you should make sure to do your own independent research. Because everyone is unique, our self-help tools are never guaranteed to help with any specific situation. DoNotPay is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law. DoNotPay provides a platform for legal information and self-help.

Does a Promissory Note Need To Be Notarized? Find Out With DoNotPay!

Most legal forms, such as wills, trusts, affidavits, and court documents, need a notarized signature. But does a promissory note need to be notarized as well?

Promissory notes have to incorporate specific sections to be legally valid. If you want to find out whether notarizing them is a requirement, DoNotPay knows the answer.

We will share useful tips on how to notarize any legal document easily!

Does a Promissory Note Have To Be Notarized?

Promissory notes don’t have to be notarized to be enforceable in court. While it’s not a requirement, a notarized promissory note can:

  • Strengthen the legality of the document—It never hurts to add an extra layer of protection in case you have to use it in court
  • Eliminate any disputes over its authenticity—you may be asked to prove that the contract is authentic, and a notarized signature is all the proof you need

States have different requirements about notarizing promissory notes. You should talk to your attorney or research your state’s related website for more information.

What Makes a Promissory Note Legally Valid?

Promissory notes are essential in the business world because banks and other companies use them to ensure the borrower will pay off the debt.

If the debtor fails to meet the contract conditions, the lender can use the promissory note to enforce payment in court.

Promissory notes have to meet specific requirements to be legally valid. Necessary sections of a valid promissory note include:

  1. Parties involved in the transaction
  2. Promise that one party will pay a specific sum to the other party
  3. Debt amount and penalties for not paying on time
  4. Signatures of involved parties

Where Can I Notarize a Promissory Note?

Notaries are fairly easy to find if you know where to look. Check out some common institutions that offer notary services:

Places Offering Notary Services

Details

Public librariesMost public libraries not only offer notary services but provide them at an affordable price
Banks and credit unionsBanks are the most common places to find notaries. If you are a bank employee, you may qualify for a free notary service
Large companiesBig companies typically have a notary on staff to speed up in-office notarizations. If you work for such a company, one of your colleagues may be able to help you
Local businesses (real estate offices, insurance firms, and car dealerships)Check if the businesses in your area have a notary on site
Government officesMany local government offices, such as City Hall, Town Hall, or County Clerk, offer notary services

How To Notarize a Promissory Note

You can notarize your promissory note in person or online. Notarizing online is a more practical option. Some states, such as Utah, Texas, Florida, or Kentucky, started to notarize documents online a long time ago, and others have joined recently due to the coronavirus outbreak. Before opting for online notary services, check if your state of residence allows it and what the process is.

Take a look at how the in-person and online methods work:

Steps for Notarizing in PersonSteps for Notarizing Online
  • Find a local notary
  • Schedule an appointment
  • Go in person (or arrange with a mobile notary to visit you)
  • Pay a fee
  • Provide an identification document
  • Sign the document
  • Get a notarized signature and seal
  • Select an online notary service
  • Create an account
  • Upload your document
  • Sign a document during a live video call with the notary
  • Wait for the notary to send a signed and sealed document back to you

Notarize Your Promissory Note With DoNotPay in a Jiffy

Notarizing a promissory note doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—if you use DoNotPay!

We have designed a special feature to help you notarize legal documents without hassle. If you provide essential info, we will find the notary and schedule an online appointment. You can finish the whole process without leaving your home!

Take a look at some of the advantages our app provides:

  • Authorizing your document from any digital device
  • Validating your promissory note according to your schedule
  • Not wasting time on the lengthy in-person procedure

Here is what you have to do to authorize your promissory note:

  1. Access DoNotPay from a
  2. Enter Notarize Any Document in the search bar
  3. Upload the promissory note
  4. Provide your email address

We will send you a link via email, and your virtual appointment with the notary is a click away.

Create and Notarize Numerous Legal Documents With DoNotPay!

Our app doesn’t stop there! provides so much more than notarizing legal documents.

We have integrated the notarization service with our Standardized Legal Documents feature to let you create, notarize, and even fax your promissory note in the same app!

Take a look at some of the contracts and agreements you can create, notarize, and fax with our help:

ContractsAgreementsMiscellaneous docs

General Business Contract

  • Parenting Plan (Child Custody Agreement)
  • Prenuptial Agreement
  • LLC Operating Agreement
  • Residential Lease Agreement
  • Independent Contractor Agreement
  • Non-Compete Agreement
  • Bill of Sale
  • Non-Disclosure Agreement
  • Estoppel Certificate
  • General Affidavit
  • Promissory Note
  • Quitclaim Deed
  • Intent To Purchase Real Estate

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