What is a notary acknowledgement form?

A notary acknowledgement form is a notary public's official statement that a signature the notary has witnessed is authentic. Notary acknowledgement forms can also be used by judges or other officials, depending on the laws of the state in which the form is issued.

A notary public signs a notary acknowledgement form and affixes his official seal to it when witnessing a signature. The notary must also include his commission number and the expiration date of his commission and must attach the notary acknowledgement to the original document. In some states, such as California, notaries must see written evidence of the signer's identity regardless of personal knowledge of the individual involved.