For example, under the federal rules, notarization is no longer required for affidavits, declarations, verification of discovery answers, so long as the document is either sworn or is subscribed by the author as being true under the penalty or perjury.
Can an affidavit not be notarized?
Generally, affidavits have to be notarized to be considered legally binding. Notaries need to be present to administer an oath and witness the signing.
How do I know if a document needs to be notarized?
For a document to be notarized, it must contain the following elements:
- Text committing the signer in some way.
- An original signature of the signer, not a photocopy (if a signature is required).
- A notarial "certificate", which may appear on the document itself or on an attachment.
