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How to Check if a macOS App is Notarized

Version: macOS 10.15.7

You can check if a macOS application is notarized by using the spctl command-line utility. spctl evaluates if the system allows execution, installation, and other operations on files.

The first example is an app that is not notarized. spctl shows the status as rejected and the source indicates Unnotarized Developer ID.

$ spctl -a -vvv -t install MacApp.app
MacApp.app: rejected
source=Unnotarized Developer ID
origin=Developer ID Application: <redacted developer account>
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The second example is a notarized app. spctl shows the status as accepted.

$ spctl -a -vvv -t install Project1.app
Project1.app: accepted
source=Notarized Developer ID
origin=Developer ID Application: <redacted developer account>
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The table below describes the spctl options.

Option Description
-a Stands for assess and requests spctl to perform an assessment of the given file.
-vvv Specifies increased output verbosity.
-t install Specifies the type of assessment. install assesses installation.

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