Development of the banknote began in the Tang Dynasty during the 7th century, with local issues of paper currency, although true paper money did not appear until the 11th century, during the Song Dynasty.
A contract typically does not have to be notarized. A notary public (or simply notary) provides an acknowledgment that the signature appearing on the document is that of the person whose signature it purports to be. There is a requirement that some documents be notarized, such as a real property deed.
Most buyers sign a deed of trust at the closing table, along with a ton of other documents. The amount of paperwork home buyers sign at closing is astounding. By the time a buyer signs the deed of trust, it can become just one more piece of paper, although it is considered, coupled with the prom note, to be the most important. Most of those documents will be generated by the buyer's lender. By signing without reading, it can take buyers almost an hour to finish.