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Steps to Prepare for a Notary Appointment
Preparing ahead of time helps your notary appointment go quickly and smoothly. Please review the steps below before your scheduled meeting.
1. Have a Valid Photo ID Ready
Each signer must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. The name on your ID must reasonably match the name on the document., such as:
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Driver’s license
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State ID
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Passport
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Military ID
2. Review Your Documents
Before the appointment:
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Ensure all documents are complete
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Do not sign any documents in advance unless instructed
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Be prepared to sign in the notary’s presence
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The notary cannot notarize pre-signed documents.
3. Clear the Signing Area (If Meeting at Your Home)
If your appointment is at your home, please:
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Clear off the kitchen or dining table
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Provide a flat, well-lit surface
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Minimize distractions (TV, pets, background noise
This allows for accurate, efficient signing.
4. Ensure All Signers Are Present
All parties who need to sign must be:
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Present at the time of the appointment
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Have their own valid photo ID
The notary cannot proceed if a required signer is absent.
5. Confirm Witness Requirements
If your document requires witnesses:
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Have them present at the appointment (unless the notary is providing witnesses)
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Witnesses must also have valid photo ID
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Please confirm witness needs in advance.
6. Have Payment Ready
Be prepared with the agreed-upon form of payment before the appointment begins unless otherwise arranged.
7. Allow Enough Time
Most notary appointments take 10–30 minutes, depending on:
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Number of documents
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Number of signers
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Special requirements
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Please plan accordingly.
8. Ask Questions Before Signing
If you have questions about the document’s content, ask the document preparer before the appointment.
The notary can explain the notarization process but cannot provide legal advice.
9. Notify Us of Any Changes
If you need to:
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Change location
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Add signers
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Reschedule
Please notify us as soon as possible.
10. Relax — We’ll Handle the Rest
Once everything is ready, your notary will guide you through each step and complete the notarization professionally and efficiently.