How to Prepare for a Notary Appointment: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Preparing for a notary appointment ensures the process goes smoothly and without delay. Whether you’re meeting a mobile notary at your home or visiting an office, knowing what to bring and how to get ready is essential. This step-by-step guide will help you prepare for your next notarization appointment.
Step 1: Identify Your Documents
Make sure you have all documents that require notarization and that they are complete but unsigned.
Step 2: Gather Valid Identification
Bring government-issued photo ID(s) for every person signing, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. IDs must be current and not expired.
Step 3: Confirm Appointment Details
Verify the date, time, and location with your notary. For mobile notaries, confirm the address and access instructions.
Step 4: Review Documents in Advance
Read the documents beforehand to understand what you’re signing. If you have questions, ask an attorney—not the notary.
Step 5: Do Not Sign Until Asked
Do not sign any document before the notary is present. The notary needs to witness the actual signing.
Step 6: Prepare Payment
Confirm the notary’s fees and acceptable payment methods. Have cash, check, or digital payment ready.
Step 7: Arrange for Witnesses if Needed
Some documents require one or more witnesses during signing. Confirm with your notary if this applies and arrange accordingly. Witnesses need to be at least 18 years old and not have a vested interest in the transaction. For real estate transactions, as of the date of this post, there are only 5 states which require witnesses for real estate transactions. They are: Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina, which means a deed or mortgage related to real property must have witnesses present when someone signs before it can be recorded. In Montana, **Living Wills (Advance Health Care Directives) and Medical Powers of Attorney (Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care) require two witnesses to sign the document. These witnesses must also sign the document in the presence of the individual signing the directive. Neighbors or co-workers make good witnesses and strangers will suffice. Witnesses should not have any type of beneficial or vested interest in the transaction. In other words, the witness(es) must not be able to enjoy any present or future benefit or financial gain arising from the transaction. Motory Notary will ask the signers to arrange for the witnesses.
Step 8: Choose a Quiet, Well-Lit Location
For mobile notaries, ensure the signing area has adequate lighting and is free of distractions. A clean table or other work surface is needed so that clear signatures can be obtained by all parties and the notary can apply appropriate even pressure to produce a clean notarial stamp.
Step 9: Be Ready to Answer Questions
The notary may ask you to affirm your willingness to sign and verify your overall understanding of the document as well as the consequences of signing the document.
Step 10: Stay Calm, Patient, and keep distractions to a minimum
Sometimes, notarization can take time, especially with complex documents or multiple signers. Please allocate adequate time in your schedule. Keep distractions to a minimum by making a pet-free zone during the signing.
Additional Tips
Avoid signing blank documents.
Keep children and pets away to minimize interruptions.
Provide any special instructions to the notary ahead of time.
Conclusion
Proper preparation helps notarization appointments proceed quickly and smoothly. Following this guide means fewer surprises and a confident signing experience.
