The Role of a Witness in Notarized Transactions
- wrighteck
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
What You Need to Know
When you’re preparing to sign important documents—whether for a home loan, a deed, or a legal agreement—you might be told:
“We’ll also need a witness present.”
If that caught you off guard, don’t worry. At Wrighteck Notary Services, we’re here to help you understand what a witness is, why they’re needed, and how the process works—especially when it comes to real estate closings and notarized transactions.
Let’s clear up the confusion and give you a confident look at what to expect.
What Is a Witness?
In legal terms, a witness is someone who is present during the signing of a document to observe that it was signed willingly and by the correct person. A witness is not a party to the transaction—they’re simply there to ensure the signing was legitimate.
Think of a witness as an extra layer of verification.
When Is a Witness Required?
Whether or not you need a witness depends on the type of document and the laws of your state. Some transactions, such as mortgages, deeds, or real estate closings, may require one or two witnesses in addition to a notary.
Here’s how it works by state:
States That Require Two Witnesses
(One of the witnesses can also be the notary)
• Florida
• Connecticut
• South Carolina
• Louisiana
📍 State That Requires One Witness
(The notary cannot be the witness)
• Georgia
A Georgia attorney may be called for certain documents like a waiver of rights.
If you’re in Florida—where Wrighteck Notary Services is proudly based—two witnesses are required for recorded documents such as a mortgage or deed. Good news: in most cases, our notary can serve as one of the witnesses, and we can help coordinate the second.
What Does a Witness Actually Do?
Witnesses have a simple but important role. They’re responsible for:
• Observing the document signing in person
• Verifying that the signer appears to be doing so willingly and knowingly
• Ensuring that all pages are signed, initialed, and dated properly
• Providing their signature on the required documents
📌 Important note: Witnesses do not give legal advice, review your documents for accuracy, or answer questions about the content. That’s not their job—their role is simply to observe and affirm the act of signing.
What If You Need to Act as a Witness?
For those considering becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) or learning about loan closings, serving as a witness can be an excellent way to gain experience. But whether you’re an observer or an active signer, professionalism is key.
Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re ever assisting as a witness at a closing:
• Dress professionally – First impressions matter.
• Be present but quiet – You’re there to observe, not participate in the conversation.
• Do not take notes – Absorb what you can, and save questions for later.
• Turn off your phone – Respect the signing process by minimizing distractions.
• Let the Notary Signing Agent (NSA) lead the appointment – You’re there to support, not take charge.
• Stay focused – Remember, this is legal documentation. Accuracy and attention are critical.
How Wrighteck Notary Services Makes It Easy
If your documents require witnesses, we’ve got you covered.
At Wrighteck Notary Services, we:
• Provide mobile and online notarization for your convenience
• Can act as one of the required witnesses when legally permitted
• Help coordinate a second witness if needed
• Ensure a smooth and professional signing experience from start to finish
📍 Serving St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties
🌐 Online notary available across all 50 states
📅 Ready to Book a Notary or Learn More About Witness Requirements?
Or call us today to get started!
With Wrighteck, you don’t just sign documents—you sign with confidence, clarity, and care.
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