Witness Requirements for Notarized Documents

Below is a summary of witness requirements for the documents we notarize. Understanding witness eligibility helps ensure your documents are properly executed during the notarization process.

Document Type Witnesses Required Can Witnesses Be Related?

Power of Attorney 2 No; witnesses should not be related to the principal or named in the document.

Wills / Living Trusts 2 (for Wills in Iowa) No; witnesses must be disinterested (not related by blood or marriage, and not a beneficiary).

Jurats 0 N/A – Jurats typically do not require witnesses unless specified by the document.

Affidavits 0 N/A – Unless otherwise stated in the affidavit, witnesses are not usually required.

Contracts 0–1 (Optional)If a witness is required or requested, it should be a neutral party, not related to any signers.

Acknowledgements 0 N/A – No witness is required beyond the notary unless specified by the document.

Copy Certifications 0 N/A – Witnesses are not applicable; the notary certifies the copy.

Oaths / Affirmations 0 N/A – These do not require witnesses.

* Some documents, such as jurats, affidavits, or acknowledgements, may occasionally require a witness based on the nature of the document or specific institutional requirements.

Important Note:
Witnesses must be mentally competent adults, able to understand the document being signed. In nearly all cases, witnesses should not be related to the signer or financially involved in the contents of the document. It is the client’s responsibility to bring witnesses unless arranged otherwise in advance.