Updated January 05, 2023
A Georgia notary acknowledgment form acts as an affidavit to establish the authenticity of signatures on a document. The acknowledgment form must be attached to the original document; alternatively, the acknowledgment language can be placed within the document itself. The notary acknowledgment form is to be completed by a notary, or other public officials, after verifying the identity of all signing parties and witnessing the signing of the document. Signature fields are to be filled in before presenting the document to the public official, however, signatures can be completed in the presence of the notary instead. A document is considered “acknowledged” once the notary signs and seals the acknowledgment form.
Laws – § 45-17-8
Notary Handbook – The Georgia Notary Handbook is the ultimate guide to notary law, and includes procedures, guidelines and tips concerning notarial responsibilities and duties.
How to Notarize in Georgia
Step 1 – Those in search of a notary can visit one of the following public places (there are many other locations where notaries are employed):
- Banks or Credit Unions (Wells Fargo has the most branch locations in Georgia)
- UPS Stores
- Private Notary Services
Step 2 – The original document must be presented to the notary and all signing parties must personally appear before them. All signers should bring identification unless the notary public can personally recognize them.
Step 3 – After all the identities have been verified, all signing parties must declare that they have signed the document under their own free will (acknowledgments). If the document has not yet been signed, signatures can be inscribed in front of the notary (jurats and other notarial acts).
Step 4 – If a notarial act requires it, an oath or affirmation pertaining to the truthfulness of the documents’ contents must be made.
Step 5 – The proper notarial certificate must be completed by the notary public once they are satisfied with the presented identification, inscribed signatures, and sworn declarations. An official seal and the notary’s signature must be included for the document to be considered legally binding.
Verify a Notary in Georgia
Step 1 – Visit the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCA) website.
Step 2 – To verify a notary public, searchers must enter at least one of the following criteria into the search engine:
- Name
- County
- City
- Postal code
- Appointment date
- Expiration date
Click Search to proceed.
Step 3 – Users will be able to view a list of notaries that fit the search criteria.
How to Write (For Notary)
Step 1 – Download form in Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, or OpenDoc.
Step 2 – Enter the following information into the first five (5) empty fields:
- County
- Day
- Month
- Year
- Name of signer
Step 3 – The notary must put a checkmark beside either “Personally Known” (if notary recognizes signer personally) or “Produced Identification”. If the latter was selected, enter the type of ID and the ID number. Lastly, notary must include their seal, signature, and printed name.
