Require a Witness on a Real Estate Transaction

Learn how to prepare a document to require a witness for a real estate transaction. A witness is an additional person who is not a party to the transaction and is present to witness the signing of the specific document.

Note: You can set up the transaction to require a witness, or the notary can add a witness during a meeting.

🎯Primary Audience: Title Agents & Lenders

How to Prepare Your Document

If you've uploaded a document that needs witness signatures, click the Requires Witness toggle to turn it ON. (Eye Icon)

Stipulations

• Signers must provide their own witness(es):
  • Exception: Notaries can act as one of the witnesses for Florida Real Estate transactions - Read Witness Options - Florida Real Estate Transactions.
• Proof does not provide witnesses.
• The signer and the witness(es) must be in the same physical location:
  • Exception: Florida Real Estate transactions - Read Witness Options - Florida Real Estate Transactions.
• The signer is responsible for ensuring that the witnesses meet any state or document-specific requirements. For example, if 2 witnesses are required, the signer is responsible for ensuring there are 2 witnesses.
• Witnesses should be prepared to show a valid photo ID:
  • Witness IDs can be issued outside of the United States as long as the witness is co-located with the signer(s) and using the same device. 

How does it work?

After the notary adds a witness, a form appears on the signer's screen for the witness to complete.

The Notary can then toggle the penholder control between the signer and the witness(es).

When the witness is the active penholder, they can complete their witness designations, such as placing their signature(s).

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