--- title: "What Is a Subscribing Witness? Meaning & Example | MCC" description: "A person who watches someone else sign a document and then signs it as a witness. A worked example and how it differs from a credible witness." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/glossary/subscribing-witness" --- Notary glossary # What is a subscribing witness? A person who watches someone else sign a document and then signs it as a witness. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## In plain English Witnesses are different from notaries. A document may need witnesses, a notary or both. The requirements come from the document type and local law. Need this notarized? [Get it notarized online by a New Jersey notary over video](/notary/remote-online-notarization), or [book a notary visit in New Jersey](/notary/#order). A notary generally should not be an interested party. ## Why it matters Some documents need witnesses in addition to a notary, and arriving without them can stop a signing that took weeks to arrange. Wills and certain health care forms are common examples. Who can serve as a witness matters too. A witness with a stake in the document may cause problems later when the document is relied on. ## Worked example A will is signed by the testator with two witnesses watching; a notary may also complete a self-proving affidavit. ## What to do - Ask the office or attorney that prepared the document how many witnesses are needed and who qualifies. - Arrange witnesses with valid ID who have no interest in the document. - Make sure witnesses watch the actual signature, not just sign afterward. - Have witnesses print and sign their names where the form indicates. - Do not assume the notary can also serve as a witness; ask first. ## Common mistakes - Using a family member named in the document as a witness can lead to questions about the document later. - Having witnesses sign after the signer leaves fails because they must see the signature made. - Showing up with one witness when the form needs two can halt the appointment. ## Not the same as: Credible witness A subscribing witness observes and signs a document, while a credible witness only vouches for the signer's identity to the notary. [See Credible witness](/notary/glossary/credible-witness). ## Go deeper - [What a Witness Does at a Signing (and What They Do Not)](/notary/guides/what-a-witness-does-at-a-signing): A witness watches a signature and may sign too. Learn how witnessing differs from notarizing, what witnesses attest to, and the limits of the role. - [Notary or Witness? How Signature Requirements Differ](/notary/guides/notary-versus-witness-signature-requirements): Some documents need a notary, others need witnesses, and some need both. Learn the roles, who qualifies and how to read form instructions. - [Self-Proving Affidavit for a Will: Who Signs What](/notary/guides/self-proving-affidavit-for-a-will): A self-proving affidavit lets witnesses' sworn statements stand in for later testimony. Learn the signing order, roles and notary responsibilities. ## Related terms - [Title company](/notary/glossary/title-company): A company that researches property ownership, issues title insurance and often runs the closing. - [Unauthorized practice of law](/notary/glossary/unauthorized-practice-of-law): Giving legal advice or choosing legal documents for someone when you are not a licensed attorney. - [Signing by mark](/notary/glossary/signing-by-mark): When a person who cannot sign their name makes a mark, usually with witnesses, and the notary records it. ## Common questions **What is a subscribing witness?** A person who watches someone else sign a document and then signs it as a witness. **Can you give an example of subscribing witness?** A will is signed by the testator with two witnesses watching; a notary may also complete a self-proving affidavit. **Can the notary bring witnesses?** Some mobile notaries can arrange witnesses for an added charge. Ask when booking and confirm any rules on who may serve. **Do witnesses need to show ID?** Many notaries ask for it so they can record who witnessed. Requirements depend on the document and state. General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office. Need help? [### Mobile notary Mobile signings in New Jersey, remote online notarization and apostille help. Notary services →](/notary/) [Full glossary](/notary/glossary) Do it yourself ### Notary Launch Bundle You have the commission. These three get you to paid work: loan signings, local marketing and remote notarization. [See what's inside ($49)](/toolkits/notary-launch-bundle)14-day full refund ## Need a document notarized? Book a notary. [Book a notary](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)