What is Witness?

A third party who observes a signing and signs the document themselves to attest that the signer's consent was given knowingly.

A witness is a person — not party to the contract — who watches the signer execute the document and then signs the document themselves to record that they observed it. Some jurisdictions require a witness for specific contracts (wills, certain deeds, statutory declarations). Witnessing can happen in person or remotely via video. PDF Verified supports a "Witness" signer role and captures the witness's identity, signature, and timestamp on the same audit trail.

When a witness is required

English-law deeds (typically), wills in most common-law jurisdictions, certain real-estate transfers, statutory declarations, affidavits. Each jurisdiction has specific rules on who can witness (usually adult, not party to the contract, not closely related).

Remote witnessing

Since COVID, most jurisdictions accept video witnessing for documents that previously required physical presence. PDF Verified can include a video-call link in the witness's invitation or capture a witness session that's tied to the audit trail.

Witness vs notary

A witness simply observes and attests. A notary additionally verifies identity and applies a formal seal — usually a statutory officer or solicitor. PDF Verified supports notary roles on Enterprise via TSP partner integration.