How to Notarize a Trust Documents
Living trusts, trust amendments, and trust certifications that require notarization.
Overview
Trust documents — including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, trust amendments, and trust certifications — are fundamental estate planning tools that typically require notarization. While a trust itself may not legally require notarization in every state, notarizing it adds a layer of authentication and makes it significantly harder to challenge in court. Trust certifications (abstracts of trust) are almost always notarized when presented to financial institutions.
When You Need This Notarized
- Creating a new living trust for estate planning
- Amending an existing trust
- Providing a trust certification to a bank or financial institution
- Funding a trust by transferring real estate into it
- Successor trustee administration after the grantor's passing
What to Bring
- The trust document or amendment (unsigned)
- Valid government-issued photo ID for all grantors/trustees
- Witnesses if required by your state
- Any related property deeds being transferred into the trust
Step-by-Step Process
Have an estate planning attorney draft or review your trust
Schedule a mobile notary appointment
Bring the unsigned trust and valid photo ID
All grantors sign in the presence of the notary (and witnesses if required)
The notary notarizes the signature pages
Transfer assets into the trust (fund the trust) as a separate step
Important Notes
- A trust is not effective until it is 'funded' — assets must be transferred into it
- Trust certifications are commonly required by banks and title companies
- Amendments to existing trusts typically also require notarization
- Keep the original trust in a secure, accessible location
Cost
Notary fees are $2-$15 per signature depending on state. Trust documents may have multiple signature pages.
View fee caps by stateFrequently Asked Questions
Does a living trust need to be notarized?
While not legally required in all states, notarizing a living trust is strongly recommended. It adds authentication and makes the trust much harder to contest.
Can a mobile notary handle trust document signings?
Yes. Mobile notaries regularly assist with trust signings at homes, attorney offices, and care facilities.
What is a trust certification?
A trust certification (or abstract of trust) is a shortened version of your trust that proves the trust exists and who the trustee is, without revealing all the trust details. Banks commonly request this.
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