Business Notarization FAQs

Common business documents requiring notarization include: LLC operating agreements, articles of incorporation, corporate resolutions, commercial leases (some states), franchise agreements, personal guarantees, non-compete and non-disclosure agreements, deeds transferring business property, and UCC financing statements.

Yes. An authorized officer, manager, or agent can sign notarized documents on behalf of a business entity. The notary verifies the identity of the individual signing, not the business itself. The signer typically provides a corporate resolution, LLC operating agreement, or other document showing their authorization to sign.

Yes, employees can be commissioned as notaries and notarize documents for their employer, with one exception: they generally cannot notarize documents in which they have a direct financial interest. Many companies pay for their employees' notary commissions as a practical business tool.

Remote online notarization (RON) is the best solution for distributed teams. Employees or signatories in any RON-authorized state can notarize documents from their devices via secure video, eliminating the need to physically gather signers. Platforms like Proof (formerly Notarize) and OneNotary integrate with business workflows.

It depends on the state. Most states do not require LLC operating agreements to be notarized, but notarizing them (and having all members sign before a notary) adds an extra layer of authenticity that is helpful if disputes arise or the agreement needs to be submitted to a bank or court.

An organizational resolution is a document authorizing a specific person to act on behalf of a business entity for a particular transaction — like opening a bank account or signing a real estate contract. Banks and title companies frequently require organizational resolutions, and they often ask that the document be notarized for fraud prevention.