Can You Notarize Documents Without Witnesses?

In most cases, yes — a notary public can complete a notarization without any additional witnesses present.

The notary themselves serves as the official witness to the signing. But there are specific document types and situations in California where additional witnesses are legally required, and knowing the difference can save you from a delayed or invalidated signing.

As a mobile notary with over a year of experience and more than 1,365 completed appointments, I've handled witness requirements in hospitals, homes, skilled nursing facilities, and everywhere in between. Here's what you actually need to know.

When Are Witnesses Required for Notarization?

In my experience, a handful of specific situations call for additional witnesses beyond the notary.

Wills require two witnesses to be legally valid in California. A will doesn't need to be notarized at all, but some people choose to have it notarized in addition to having it witnessed, simply for added peace of mind.

Healthcare directives often require witnesses when the signer is located in a skilled nursing facility.

When the signer doesn't have a valid form of identification, California requires two witnesses who personally know the signer to complete the appointment.

When the signer is unable to sign their name in the usual way and must sign with an X, two witnesses are also required.

What Happens When Witnesses Aren't Available?

I've shown up to appointments where witnesses were required but weren't there, and there are a few ways this typically gets resolved.

Sometimes a neighbor or someone nearby is willing and eligible to serve as a witness on the spot. Other times, the signer has to call someone to come to the location, and we wait for the witness to arrive. It's our policy to charge for time spent waiting in these situations.

In some cases, we reschedule the appointment for when witnesses can be available. Since this requires a second trip to the signing location, our policy is to charge for each separate trip.

One option many clients don't realize is available: you can book a witness through us. Witness booking is available in add-on submenu and can be booked simultaneously with your notary appointment.

Witnesses charge a fee for their time, but having them lined up in advance makes the signing legally sound and removes the stress of coordinating multiple people on your own.

The Most Common Mistake People Make With Witnesses

The mistake I see most often is signers asking someone with a financial interest in the documents to serve as a witness.

This can happen directly, when the person is specifically named in the document, or indirectly, through their relationship to someone who is named.

Most attorneys recommend that a witness be someone completely uninvested in the document. If the document is ever challenged later, having a disinterested witness helps avoid unnecessary complications.

Do Most Documents Require a Witness in Addition to the Notary?

No. Most documents do not require both a signature witness and a separate document witness. About 90 percent of the time, the notary alone is sufficient to satisfy the legal requirement.

If you're not sure whether your specific document requires a witness, the safest approach is to ask an attorney.

If you're conducting a real estate transaction on a property located outside of California, your escrow officer is also a good resource, since requirements can vary by state.

Another post we’ve shared “Who can witness a will?” may also be a helpful resource. It speaks specifically to the situation of witnessing a will signing, but the information shared also applies to witnesses in general.

A Story That Shows Why Witness Requirements Matter

One appointment has stayed with me because of what it meant to the client, not just because of the legal details involved.

I worked with a woman who had been diagnosed with brain cancer and knew her time was limited. She was getting her affairs in order, and her family members were all named as either participants or beneficiaries in her documents.

She didn't want her neighbors serving as witnesses, and her husband, an attorney, understood why. He asked us to bring two disinterested witnesses to the appointment.

We handled everything, and in less than 30 minutes, her documents were signed, sealed, and properly witnessed by the appropriate parties. She had the security of knowing her plans would be honored exactly the way she wanted.

That appointment is a reminder of why witness requirements exist in the first place. They're not just a legal formality. They're there to protect people and their wishes when it matters most.

Final Thoughts

Notarization without witnesses is the norm for most documents, but certain situations, like wills, healthcare directives in skilled nursing facilities, missing identification, or signing with an X, require additional witnesses by law.

Knowing this ahead of time, and choosing disinterested witnesses when needed, can prevent delays and protect your documents from future challenges.

If you're preparing for a signing and aren't sure whether witnesses are required, reach out before your appointment.

With over 1,365 appointments completed, I can share what I need to seal your documents and arrange witnesses in advance if necessary.