How to Notarize a Certificate of Trust
A certificate of trust proves a trust exists without revealing private details. Learn why notarization is required for banks and real estate.
Opening a trust bank account? Get your certificate of trust notarized online in 15 minutes.
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At a glance
- Notarization required: Yes
- Witnesses required: No (most states)
What is a Certificate of Trust?
When you create a living trust, you often need to prove to a bank, insurance company, or title agency that you have the authority to act as a trustee. Instead of showing them the entire private trust document, you provide a notarized Certificate of Trust.
Why Notarization is Required
The certificate serves as a legal attestation that the trust is in full force and effect and that you are the person authorized to manage its assets. Notarization provides the third party with the assurance they need to allow you to move funds or sign deeds on behalf of the trust.
Key Information Included
- Existence of Trust: Confirms the trust was legally created.
- Identity of Trustees: Lists who currently has the power to act.
- Trustee Powers: Specifically states that the trustees have the power to sell real estate, open accounts, etc.
- Revocability: States whether the trust is revocable or irrevocable.
- Tax ID: Includes the EIN or Social Security number used by the trust.
Getting It Notarized Online
Since many trusts have multiple trustees who may live in different places, Remote Online Notarization is the most efficient way to get everyone's signature. Each trustee can join a video session, verify their identity, and sign the document. The resulting digitally sealed certificate is accepted by banks and title companies nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a certificate of trust?
- A certificate of trust (or memorandum of trust) is a shortened version of a trust agreement. it provides the essential information banks and title companies need without exposing the private details of beneficiaries and asset distribution.
- Does a certificate of trust need to be notarized?
- Yes. Financial institutions and county recorders require the certificate to be notarized to verify the identity of the trustees and the validity of the document.
- What should a certificate of trust include?
- It must include: the trust name and date, the names of all current trustees, the trustees' powers, the trust's taxpayer ID (EIN), and the signature of all current trustees.
- Can I notarize a certificate of trust online?
- Yes. Remote Online Notarization is highly effective for certificates of trust. Trustees can join the video session from any location to sign the document.
- Is a certificate of trust the same as the full trust document?
- No. The full trust agreement can be dozens of pages long. The certificate is a summary (usually 2-3 pages) that satisfies the requirements of most third parties while maintaining your privacy.
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