In this increasingly paperless world, a world of online authorizations and e-signatures, you may wonder what it even means these days to notarize a document.

To notarize a document is to solidify its content and value in such a manner that it becomes an official document. Notarized documents often enter into court proceedings, as their validity is so absolute.

So what does it all mean?

It starts with a Notary Public, a citizen appointed by the state government to witness and authorize signatures on important documents. This third party has no interest in the transaction other than to serve as an impartial witness. This process was instituted to deter dishonesty and fraud.

So when a document is notarized, those signing it must present identification. Some acceptable forms are drivers' licenses, passports or military IDs.

Once the signers are verified and they've signed under the notary's watchful eye, the notary will then notarize the document by completing the notary information and affixing their stamp or seal to the document.

Notarized documents are required in a variety of settings, such as marriage licenses, any paperwork pertaining to lawsuits or damage settlements, and in deed transfers such as during a home purchase or automobile lease. Notarized documents are everywhere, and that is what it means to have one!