What a Notary Does, When You Need One, and What to Expect

Many people encounter notary services only a few times in their lives. Often it is during an important moment such as signing legal documents, handling financial matters, or authorizing someone to act on their behalf.

Because of that, notary services can feel confusing or intimidating. This article explains what notary services are in Wisconsin, when they are required, and what you can expect when working with a commissioned Wisconsin notary.

What Is a Notary Public in Wisconsin?

A notary public in Wisconsin is a state-commissioned official authorized to perform specific acts related to the signing of documents. Notaries are commissioned by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and are required to follow state laws and ethical standards.

The role of a notary is not to provide legal advice or validate the content of a document. Instead, a notary’s responsibility is to serve as an impartial witness to certain acts, helping deter fraud and ensure proper execution of documents.

What a Wisconsin Notary Is Authorized to Do

Under Wisconsin law, notaries are authorized to perform several official acts, including:

• Taking acknowledgments

• Administering oaths and affirmations

• Witnessing signatures

• Certifying copies when permitted by law

• Performing other acts authorized under Wisconsin statutes

Each notarial act follows specific legal requirements. A notary must verify identity, confirm willingness and awareness, and complete the notarization correctly.

When Notary Services Are Required

Notary services are commonly required for documents such as:

• Power of attorney documents

• Real estate documents and deeds

• Affidavits and sworn statements

• Financial and lending documents

• Certain business or contractual documents

Not every document needs to be notarized, but when notarization is required, it is often a legal safeguard that protects all parties involved.

What a Wisconsin Notary Cannot Do

It is equally important to understand the limits of a notary’s role.

A Wisconsin notary cannot:

• Provide legal advice

• Explain legal consequences of a document

• Draft legal documents unless separately qualified to do so

• Notarize documents without the signer present

• Notarize documents if the signer is unwilling or unaware

These limitations protect the integrity of the notarization process and ensure that notaries remain neutral and compliant.

Identification Requirements

Wisconsin notaries are required to verify the identity of each signer. This is typically done using acceptable government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.

If a notary cannot reasonably identify the signer, the notarization cannot proceed.

In-Person and Remote Notarization in Wisconsin

Wisconsin allows both traditional in-person notarization and remote online notarization when the notary is properly registered with the state and follows required procedures.

Remote notarization has additional requirements related to identity verification, recordkeeping, and technology standards. Not all documents are eligible for remote notarization, and availability may vary.

What to Expect During a Notarization

When you arrive for a notarization, you can expect the notary to:

• Verify your identity

• Confirm your understanding of the document

• Ensure you are signing willingly

• Witness the signing or acknowledge a signature

• Complete the notarial certificate and official seal

The process is designed to be clear, professional, and straightforward.

Why Professional Notary Services Matter

Notarized documents often carry significant legal and financial weight. Errors or improper notarization can cause delays, rejections, or complications.

Working with a knowledgeable, commissioned Wisconsin notary helps ensure that documents are handled correctly and in compliance with state requirements.

Choosing a Wisconsin Notary You Can Trust

When selecting a notary, look for someone who:

• Is actively commissioned in Wisconsin

• Understands state-specific requirements

• Communicates clearly and professionally

• Follows ethical and legal standards

Reliable notary services provide peace of mind during important moments.