--- title: "Notarized Proof of Residency Letter: Wording and Who Signs" description: "How to word a proof of residency letter from a landlord, relative or employer, who signs it, and what the notary verifies (the signer, not the address)." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/proof-of-residency-letter-notarization" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Notarized Proof of Residency Letters Explained A residency letter says that a person lives at a given address. Banks, schools, courts and agencies may accept one when the person does not have bills in their name. A notary can add a sworn or acknowledged signature. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** A proof of residency letter states that a person lives at an address, written by whoever can attest to it: a landlord if you rent, the homeowner or lessee if you stay with family, or a dorm office for a student. The writer's signature is what gets notarized. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) · [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) **Free tools:** [Notary fees by state](/notary/fees-by-state) · [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Who writes the letter If you rent, your landlord can write that you live there. If you stay with family, the homeowner or lessee can write a statement. If you are a student, a dorm office may provide a letter. The writer's signature is what gets notarized. The person who knows the facts should be the one who signs. ## What it should include Include the resident's full name, the address, the start date, the writer's name, their relationship to the resident and a contact number. Where the receiving office has a form, use it. Add copies of the writer's ID and a recent utility bill if the office asks. The letter should be plain and factual. Avoid opinions or extras. ## How the notary handles it Most such letters carry a jurat because the writer is swearing to facts. The writer takes an oath or affirmation and then signs as the notary watches. The notary checks ID and completes the certificate. The notary does not visit the address or confirm that the resident lives there. If the letter says something the writer is unsure of, they should not sign. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## Acceptance by the receiving office Each agency has its own rules. Some want two letters, some want mail addressed to the resident, some refuse any letter from a relative. Call before preparing. Find out whether the notarized letter must be recent, often within a certain number of days. Keep a copy of what you submit. ## Special cases People without a fixed address, such as those in shelters or staying temporarily, may need letters from a shelter or social worker. Immigrants may need documents for a particular application, which an attorney or accredited representative can explain. Mobile or remote notary options help when the writer lives far from the resident. ## Sample structure for a landlord's letter Start with the date and the landlord's name and address. Then write: the tenant's name resides at this address under a lease beginning on a stated date. Add the monthly rent status only if the receiving office asks for it. Close with the landlord's phone number and signature. Many offices want the letter to be recent, often dated within thirty days or fewer, though each sets its own limit. If the letter is old by the time you submit it, ask the landlord to write a new one and have it notarized again. Attach a copy of the landlord's ID if the office asks, along with proof that the landlord owns or manages the property. A property tax record or a management company letterhead can serve. The notary will not check these, but the receiving office may. ## Common questions **Can I write my own residency letter?** Some offices accept it, but many require a third party. Ask the office. **Is the notary confirming my address?** No. The notary confirms identity and administers the oath. **How old can the letter be?** Each office sets its own age limit. ## More notary guides - [Mortgage Gift Letters: Notarizing the Donor Statement](/notary/guides/gift-letter-for-mortgage-notarization) - [Can a Notary Notarize for Family Members?](/notary/guides/can-a-notary-notarize-for-family-members) - [Notarized Invitation Letters for Visitors Coming to Visit](/notary/guides/visitor-invitation-letter-notarization) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. 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