Acknowledgments

An acknowledgment is the most common notarial act you'll perform. It's a formal declaration by a person that they signed a document voluntarily and that the signature is genuine.

What Is an Acknowledgment?

When someone "acknowledges" a document before you, they are declaring:

1. The signature on the document is theirs
2. They signed voluntarily (not under duress)
3. They understand they are bound by the document

Key Requirements

Personal Appearance

Critical Rule: The signer MUST personally appear before the notary. You cannot take an acknowledgment:

• Over the phone
• Via video chat (except for authorized remote notarization)
• For someone who is not present

The Signing

Here's a common misconception: The notary does NOT need to witness the actual signing.

Example: John signed a deed last week. Today he appears before you with the already-signed deed. He acknowledges that the signature is his and he signed voluntarily. This is a valid acknowledgment.

The Acknowledgment Process

1. Signer personally appears before you
2. Verify identity through acceptable ID
3. Ensure understanding — signer knows what they're acknowledging
4. Confirm voluntariness — signer states signature is voluntary
5. Complete certificate — fill in acknowledgment certificate
6. Sign and stamp — apply your signature and notary stamp

Certificate of Acknowledgment

The acknowledgment certificate is the formal wording that accompanies the document. New York has statutory forms for various situations:

Individual Acknowledgment

For documents signed by an individual in their own capacity:

State of New York    )
                     ) ss.:
County of _________  )

On the ___ day of _________ in the year ____, before me, the undersigned,
personally appeared _________________________, personally known to me or
proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual(s)
whose name(s) is (are) subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged
to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their capacity(ies),
and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument, the individual(s),
or the person upon behalf of which the individual(s) acted, executed the
instrument.

_______________________________
Notary Public

On the Exam

Expect 3-5 questions on acknowledgments:

• Personal appearance: Always required
• Witnessing signature: NOT required
• Already signed documents: Can be acknowledged
• Purpose: Confirm signature is genuine and voluntary