What Should I Bring to a Notary Appointment?

Scheduling a notary appointment is usually simple, but arriving without the right identification, documents, or required signers can prevent the notarization from being completed. A little preparation before your appointment can save time and help avoid a second visit.

Whether you're notarizing a Power of Attorney, affidavit, real estate document, travel consent form, business agreement, or another important document, here's what you should bring to your notary appointment.

1. The Document That Needs to Be Notarized

Most importantly, bring the document requiring notarization.

Review the paperwork before your appointment and make sure it is complete. Avoid leaving important sections blank unless they are intended to be completed during the signing process.

You should also know which signatures require notarization. If the document doesn't specify the required notarial act, contact the person or organization requesting the document for instructions.

2. Acceptable Identification

Identity verification is an important part of many notarizations.

In California, commonly used forms of qualifying identification can include:

• California driver's license

• California identification card

• U.S. passport or passport card

• Qualifying driver's license or ID from another state

• Certain foreign passports

• Other qualifying government-issued identification

California has specific requirements regarding acceptable identification. If you're uncertain whether your ID qualifies, contact the notary before your appointment.

3. All Required Signers

If several people's signatures need to be notarized, make sure everyone who needs to personally appear is available for the appointment.

Someone generally cannot simply hand their identification and document to another person and have a signature notarized without participating in the required notarial process.

For mobile appointments involving several signers, coordinating everyone's availability beforehand can help make the signing much more efficient.

4. Required Witnesses

A notary and a document witness are not necessarily the same thing.

Some documents may require one or more witnesses in addition to notarization. If witnesses are required, determine beforehand:

• How many witnesses are needed

• Who is permitted to serve as a witness

• Whether the witnesses need identification

• Whether the notary is expected or permitted to provide witnesses

Don't assume witnesses will automatically be available at your appointment.

5. Instructions From the Receiving Party

If your document came from an attorney, escrow company, lender, government agency, employer, or other organization, bring any signing instructions they provided.

This can be particularly helpful for:

• Real estate documents

• Loan packages

• International documents

• Estate-planning paperwork

• Business transactions

• Government forms

A notary cannot provide legal advice or decide what type of notarization you need when the document or receiving party hasn't specified it.

6. Know Whether You Should Sign Before the Appointment

Whether you can sign beforehand depends on the type of notarial act.

For a California acknowledgment, the document may already be signed, but the signer still needs to personally appear before the notary and acknowledge executing it.

For a jurat, the signer must sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation.

When in doubt, waiting to sign until your appointment can help avoid problems.

7. Payment for Notary Services

Confirm the cost and accepted payment methods when scheduling your appointment.

For a mobile appointment, the total may include both the state-regulated notarial fee and a separately disclosed travel or convenience fee.

Knowing the total beforehand helps avoid surprises at the appointment.

8. Additional Documents When Applicable

Some transactions may involve supporting paperwork in addition to the document being notarized.

For example, you may need:

• Related legal documents

• Certified copies

• Additional forms

• Instructions from the requesting agency

• Documents that establish information relevant to the transaction

Ask the organization receiving your paperwork what supporting documents it requires.

9. Information for International Documents

If your document will be used outside the United States, tell your notary or apostille service which country will receive it.

The destination country can determine whether the document requires:

• An apostille

• Authentication or legalization

• Additional certification

• Translation

Providing this information at the beginning can help prevent delays later.

10. Questions About the Notarization Process

It's completely reasonable to ask your notary questions about the notarial process.

However, a non-attorney notary cannot explain the legal effect of your document, advise you whether to sign, or tell you which legal option is best.

If you have questions about the document itself, speak with the document preparer, receiving organization, or a qualified attorney before your appointment.

Quick Notary Appointment Checklist

Before leaving for your appointment, make sure you have:

• Your completed document

• Acceptable identification

• All required signers

• Required witnesses, if applicable

• Instructions from the receiving party

• Any supporting documents

• Your payment method

• Destination country information for international documents

Taking a few minutes to check these items can make your appointment much smoother.

What About Mobile Notary Appointments?

If traveling to an office isn't convenient, a mobile notary can come to you.

Mobile appointments can take place at:

• Homes

• Offices

• Hospitals

• Assisted living facilities

• Nursing facilities

• Escrow offices

• Other agreed-upon locations

You'll still need the same required documents, identification, signers, and witnesses.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to bring to a notary appointment can help you avoid delays and complete your notarization efficiently. Your document, acceptable identification, required signers, and any necessary witnesses or instructions are the most important things to prepare.

If you're unsure about identification or appointment requirements, asking before your scheduled signing can save you an unnecessary second trip.

Notary By Alissa provides professional notary services in Eagle Rock, Pasadena, Silver Lake, and surrounding Los Angeles communities, with both convenient appointment options and mobile notary services available.