Be a Document Witness

Audience: Everyone

The short answer: To witness a notarized document, wait for the notary to invite you into the meeting, then sign where directed.

This guide covers how to be a document witness for someone you know during a notary meeting on the Proof platform. If you are acting as a credible identifying witness, read Act as a Credible Identifying Witness for Someone You Know instead.

Who Can Do This

To be a document witness, you must meet both of the following conditions:

  • Be physically located in the same place as the signer
  • Use the same device as the signer to complete the transaction

How It Works

Here's how the witnessing process works: the signer and notary join the meeting first. When the notary is ready, they will invite you to officially join as a witness through the platform. Your presence as the witness is recorded and you can add your information and signature(s) to the document where needed.

You must appear on camera throughout the witnessing until the notary says you can exit.

Act as a Witness

⚠️
The signer cannot complete this process on behalf of the witness.
  1. Provide your name and contact information.
  2. Review and check the box if you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
  3. Click the Add witness button.
    The Add Witness modal where the witness enters their name and contact information
  4. Tap or click the witness signature field in the document when the notary makes you the penholder.
    • You can tell the notary made you the penholder when Active user appears under your name in the left panel.
      Left panel showing Active user label under the witness's name when they are the penholder
  5. Select your preferred Signature font from the options, or click the Draw It tab to draw your signature.
  6. Review the signature terms and click Create and apply if you agree.

When the notary instructs you to do so, you may leave the meeting and/or go off camera.

Summary Checklist

  • You are physically present with the signer and using the same device
  • You joined the meeting after the notary invited you as a witness
  • You provided your name and contact information
  • You signed the document when the notary made you the penholder
  • You remained on camera until the notary released you

Still Unsure?

Our support team is happy to help. Submit a support request or chat with us from any page in the app.

Updated

Was this article helpful?

2 out of 2 found this helpful