Deed Signing: What the Notary Checks on the Paper

Parts of a deed

A deed usually has the grantor, the grantee, a description of the property, the consideration, the date, and a signature block with a notarial acknowledgment. Many also reference how the grantor acquired title.

An attorney or title company usually drafts the deed. The notary does not.

Name matching

The name on the signature line should match the name on ID closely. If the title shows a middle initial and ID shows a full middle name, tell the notary. Marital status and 'also known as' lines may be needed. The notary cannot decide how to fix a mismatch, but can pause so you contact the drafter.

If a grantor has died or changed names, extra papers apply.

The acknowledgment

The grantor appears before the notary, shows ID, and confirms signing the deed freely. The notary completes the certificate, including the place where the notarial act happened, the date, and the signer's name. All grantors sign, including both spouses in some cases.

The notary also records the act in their journal.

What the notary does not do

They do not verify ownership, search the title, confirm taxes or explain the effect of the deed. They also should not alter the legal description. They do not file it.

After the notarization, the deed goes to the recording office, often through the title company or attorney. Fees and formatting rules vary. Check the office's current requirements.

Preparing for a smooth signing

Bring all grantors, valid IDs, the full deed with every page, and clear instructions on where to return it. Do not sign before arriving. Review the property address with the drafter before the appointment.

Mistakes found after recording can be costly to fix, so catch them before the stamp.

Scenario: adding a spouse to a home deed

A homeowner wants to add a spouse to the title. An attorney drafts a new deed with the owner as grantor and the couple as grantees. The owner signs before a notary, who checks ID and completes an acknowledgment.

The attorney then adds required transfer forms and delivers the deed to the recording office. The lender may need to be notified, since a transfer can affect loan terms in some cases. The attorney can advise on that point.

Notice what the notary did not do. They did not confirm the legal description, the tax impact or the lender's consent. They confirmed identity and willing signature. If you want those other things checked, you need the attorney or the title company.

Pay attention to marital status language, since some deeds ask each grantor to state whether they are married, single or divorced. The notary cannot tell you which to choose. Accuracy matters because a spouse may hold rights in the property. If the answer is uncertain, pause and speak to the drafter. Quick questions before signing cost far less time than a corrective deed after recording.

Common questions

More notary guides

• Signing Closing Documents When a Trust Owns the Home
• Signing Legal Documents With an Interpreter or Language Need
• Quitclaim Deed Signing With a Notary: A Walkthrough

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation.