Can I Notarize Signatures On Adoption Documents?

New Hotline Resized 3 I am a new Notary and work in a hospital. I work closely with our newborn nursery staff, and we often have adoption papers that must be notarized. Am I allowed to notarize these? — A.W., Virginia

Yes, a Notary Public can notarize signatures on adoption papers. They are very sensitive documents and it is extremely important that any specific instructions you are given are followed, as long as the instructions do not conflict with your duties as a Notary Public.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

David Thun is an Associate Editor at the National Notary Association.

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call (888) 876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

14 Comments

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Sommer

07 Jul 2024

My cousin is adopting my daughter n there are some stipulations we have agreed on. We are meeting soon to get papers notarized that her lawyer has made but if the stipulations are not in that paper I don't want to sign unless I can type one up myself n the day we get her papers notarized that we get that one notarize n so would that be considered a legal, n admissable document with the adoption n the courts? N if she were to not follow the stipulations that she would b in contempt? Or do I HAVE to do documentation of the stipulations with a lawyer? I'm sorry for all the questions but I MUST make sure the courts know the stipulations n that there will b consequences if not followed

National Notary Association

08 Jul 2024

Hello. We're sorry, but these are legal questions that would need to be answered by a qualified attorney.

Kristen Bundle

20 Jul 2023

My little brother wants me to adopt his baby and his girlfriend’s baby, so can I do this to a notary public? And will all there right be complete terminated because they don’t want no right and they even side they don’t even what this baby

21 Jul 2023

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Exanna Hellner

09 Mar 2017

where can i find the forms for notary adoptions in texas. We currently have the children both parents are absent they are 4 and we have had them since they were 5 months. please advise

Hello. We're sorry, but legal questions about adoption forms can only be answered by a qualified attorney. You would need to contact a lawyer familiar with Texas adoption law to answer those questions.

Dana Allen

10 Apr 2015

I'm interested in doing signings for adoptions. Could someone tell me which companies can I contact, thanks.

Monica lopez

11 Nov 2014

Interesting...I did not know that a Notary could sign adoption papers!

John Clark

"They required that the notary's commission did not expire for 2 years". What? That makes a mockery of the process! If the commission is valid, then the notarization is valid, along with the Apostille for verification if required. Don't be intimidated!

Kathy Fletcher, 2013 National Notary Of The Year

Great advice Janice. Notaries I would also like to remind you that there are certain countries that require a gold seal and embosser for the notarization. I always ask my signer if I could bring them. Have a Happy Day to all!

Kathy Fletcher

I would caution the notary to ask if the county receiving the documents require a embosser and a gold seal. Just a reminder to check each time. Wonderful tip Janice about the expiration date of the notary. I have also found this to be true.

Janis Bottorff

12 Sep 2014

I have done a few adoption papers. Two were international adoptions. They required that the notary's commission did not expire for 2 years (I guess since the process can take so long and they don't want any problems). One sent me a picture with a thank you note when they picked up the baby in China, and the other one brought the baby in to my office when they returned to the States. It really is an amazing feeling. So much fun to participate in their joy.

Julie Carr

09 Sep 2014

This must be so satisfying to see a baby get parents and it's all done right there at hospital.

John Cole

08 Sep 2014

Thank you for this hotline tip. I have built a steady stream of clients who need adoption documents notarized by working with various physicians in the Northern Virginia area. Knowing that I have assisted a potential family is rewarding - professionally and personally. I would stress the importance of proper notarizations, as many foreign countries require a Hague Apostille accompany the notarized documents. If the document is not correctly notarized, a state's notary office will not provide the certification.

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