The short answer: A document witness watches another person sign a document. State law determines when a witness is required. Proof does not provide legal advice about those requirements.
What a Document Witness Does
A document witness observes another person signing a document. They may also sign the document themselves to confirm they were present. Witnesses can be physically present with the signer, or they can participate remotely.
This is separate from notarization. A notary verifies the signer's identity and applies an official notarial seal associated with an official notarial act. The witness simply confirms they observed the signing.
When a Witness Is Required
State law governs when a witness is required.
For more detail, see Witnesses on the Proof Platform and Witness Guidelines for Signers.
Who Can Serve as a Witness
Witnesses are typically private individuals. In some cases, a notary can also serve as a document witness, but not always.
Identity Verification for Witnesses
Witnesses are not typically required to verify their identity on the Proof platform. However, a notary may need to confirm the witness's age and/or ID if required by:
- The organization that created the transaction, or
- The state in which the notary is commissioned.
Remote Witnesses and On-Demand Witness
Witnesses don't have to be in the same room as the signer. On-Demand Witness allows a notary to call up to two (2) remote witnesses from the Notarize Network during a transaction.
✓ Summary Checklist
- Witnessing a signature is not a notarial act.
- Witnesses are typically private individuals — not notaries.
- Some states prohibit a notary from simultaneously witnessing and notarizing the same document.
- Witnesses don't typically need to verify their identity on Proof, unless required by the organization or state.
- On-Demand Witness lets a notary call up to two remote witnesses from the Notarize Network during a transaction.
Updated