One of the most common questions I get before an appointment is: “Do I need a witness?” It’s a smart question because showing up without one when one is required can delay everything.

The honest answer?

It depends on the document and who is requesting it.

A Notary and a Witness Are Not Always the Same Thing

This is where people often get confused.

A notary public verifies identity, witnesses signatures in their official capacity, and completes the notarization.

A document witness is someone whose role is simply to observe the signing and sign as a witness.

Sometimes a document needs:
✔ A notary only
✔ Witness(es) only
✔ Both a notary and witness(es)

It all depends on the document requirements.

Common Documents That May Require Witnesses

Some examples where witnesses may come up:

• Certain Power of Attorney documents
• Estate planning paperwork
• Some healthcare directives
• Real estate documents from certain states
• Documents prepared by an attorney
• Travel consent forms (depending on requirements)

For example, I occasionally handle documents for property located in another state where witness requirements differ from Indiana.

That’s why asking ahead matters.

Can the Notary Be My Witness?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

This depends on:

• State law
• The document instructions
• Whether the notary has any disqualifying interest
• Company/lender/title requirements

As an Indiana notary, there are situations where acting as both may not be appropriate or permitted depending on the circumstances.

Best practice? Ask before the appointment.

Can a Family Member Be a Witness?

This is another common question.

Technically, some documents may allow it.

Practically? It’s often not the best choice.

Why?

Because some documents require an impartial witness, someone who doesn’t benefit from the transaction.

A spouse, child, or beneficiary may create issues.

Again: the safest move is to confirm with whoever prepared or requested the document.

What If I Don’t Have a Witness?

Don’t panic, but don’t assume we can “figure it out” on the spot either 😄

If witnesses are required:

• Ask whether you’re expected to provide them
• Ask whether the signing company/title company has specific requirements
• Let your notary know ahead of time

Sometimes arrangements can be made.

Sometimes they can’t.

Communication saves headaches.

My Rule of Thumb

If you’re unsure, ask these questions:

Who prepared the document?
Who is requiring the document?
Are witnesses specifically listed in the instructions?

Because “maybe” isn’t something you want to discover at appointment time.

Final Thoughts

Witness requirements can feel confusing, but they’re manageable when you plan ahead.

When booking with a mobile notary, letting us know up front helps everything go smoother.

And smoother is always the goal.

📅 Need a Mobile Notary in Central Indiana?

Dolph Notary Services provides professional mobile notary services, loan signings, and general notarizations throughout Central Indiana.

👉 Schedule your appointment here: https://calendly.com/dolphnotary/mobile-notary-appt