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Notary vs Notarization: What's the Difference?

Estimated read 5 minutes . Notary terms explained

Many people search for notary vs notarization because the two terms sound almost the same. They are closely related, but they do not mean the same thing.

A notary is the person. A notarization is the official act or process that the notary performs.

This difference may sound small, but it helps a lot when you are preparing documents, comparing services, or trying to understand what you actually need.

The easiest way to remember it is this: notary = the person, while notarization = the service or act.

What Is a Notary?

A notary, also called a notary public, is a state-authorized official who verifies identity, helps deter fraud, and completes certain formal signing procedures.

In simple terms, the notary is the professional who handles the notarization. The notary's job is usually to:

The notary is not the document itself, and the notary is not the same thing as the notarization. The notary is the person performing the official act.

What Is Notarization?

Notarization is the process completed by the notary. It is the formal act of verifying identity, witnessing or acknowledging a signature, and completing the notarial certificate attached to the document.

So if someone says, "I need notarization," they mean they need the service completed. If someone says, "I need a notary," they mean they need the professional who can provide that service.

Notary vs Notarization: The Simple Difference

Here is the short version in plain English:

A useful comparison is this: You go to a doctor for an examination. You go to a notary for a notarization.

Why People Mix Up These Terms

These words are often used casually in everyday conversation, so people mix them up all the time. For example, someone may say:

Usually, people still understand the general meaning. But when you compare cost, process, or service options, the distinction becomes more useful.

You are not really buying a "notary" as an object. You are paying for a notarization performed by a notary.

What Does a Notary Do During a Notarization?

During a notarization, the notary typically completes several steps:

1. Verify identity

The signer usually presents acceptable identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.

2. Check willingness and awareness

The notary should make sure the signer does not appear to be under obvious pressure and seems to understand the act of signing.

3. Witness or acknowledge the signature

Depending on the document, the signer may sign in front of the notary, or the signer may acknowledge that an existing signature is theirs.

4. Complete the notarial certificate

The notary fills out the required wording, date, venue, and related details.

5. Sign and seal

The notary signs and applies the official seal or stamp as required.

That entire process is the notarization. The person carrying it out is the notary.

Common Types of Notarization

Notarization is not always the same. Common types include:

The exact wording and requirements can vary, but the general idea stays the same: the notary performs the notarization.

Do You Need a Notary or Do You Need Notarization?

In most real situations, you need both. You need a notary because that is the authorized person. You need notarization because that is the result you want for your document.

For example:

So the most precise answer is: you contact a notary in order to get a notarization.

Notary vs Online Notarization

The difference between the words does not change just because the appointment happens online. With remote service:

This is one reason many people now prefer online service. Instead of driving to a bank, store, or office, they can complete the notarization from home with a clearer process and more predictable pricing.

If you want to compare common pricing patterns, see our main guide here: Online Notary Cost Guide.

Notary vs Notarization in Everyday Cost Questions

People often search questions like:

Technically, the fee is for the notarization, even though people often phrase it as the cost of a notary. That is why these searches usually lead people into comparing in-person, mobile, and online options.

Most users are not trying to learn vocabulary for its own sake. They are really trying to figure out what service they need, what the process involves, and how much it will cost.

Local Notary vs Online Notarization

Option What You Need Main Advantage Main Limitation
Local in-person notary A notary at a physical location Traditional face-to-face signing Requires travel, timing, and local availability
Mobile notary A notary who travels to you Convenient location Often higher total cost because of travel or convenience fees
Online notarization A remote notary session by video Fast, flexible, and easier from home You should confirm acceptance if the receiving party has its own rules
Notary20 Flat online notarization process Simple remote flow for $20 per document For specialized filings, confirm the receiving party's acceptance first

Why the Difference Matters for Real Users

Understanding notary vs notarization helps with practical decisions. It makes it easier to:

It also helps people realize that a notary is not there to rewrite their document or give broad legal advice. The notary's role is centered on the notarization itself.

Why Many People Now Prefer a Flat $20 Online Option

Once people understand the difference between the person and the process, the next question is usually practical: what is the easiest way to get the notarization done?

That is why many signers compare online options instead of spending time driving around and calling local stores. At Notary20, the process is designed to stay simple:

For many users, that is easier than turning notarization into a local errand.

Final Answer: Notary vs Notarization

Here is the simplest answer:

A notary is the authorized person. A notarization is the official act that person performs.

If you remember that one sentence, you will not mix the two up again. And if what you actually need is the service completed quickly, an online option may be the more convenient path.

FAQ

Is a notary the same as notarization?

No. A notary is the person, while notarization is the official act or process performed by that person.

Do I need a notary or notarization?

In practice, you usually need both. You contact a notary in order to obtain a notarization for your document.

What does a notary do?

A notary verifies identity, checks the signing process, completes the notarial certificate, and applies an official signature and seal when required.

Can notarization be done online?

Yes. In many cases, notarization can be completed online through a remote session instead of an in-person visit.

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If you came here searching for notary vs notarization, the vocabulary question is now simple. The next step is choosing the easiest way to get your document done. For many users, a flat online option is the most convenient answer.

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