---
title: Getting a Document Notarized
description: How to prep for a notary appointment so it actually takes ten minutes instead of turning into a wasted trip.
category: life
tags: [notary, documents, legal]
version: "1.0"
updated: 2026-08-13
sources:
  - name: Bank of America Notary Services
    url: https://www.bankofamerica.com/signature-services/notary/
  - name: Notarization Checklist, Notary Public Underwriters
    url: https://notarypublicunderwriters.com/national-notary-blog/1294-notarization-checklist
  - name: How to Prepare for a Notary Appointment: A Checklist, SignDocsToday
    url: https://www.signdocstoday.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-notary-appointment-a-checklist
  - name: A Guide to Witnessing and Notarization, LawDepot
    url: https://www.lawdepot.com/us/resources/estate-articles/witness-guide/
  - name: Witness Guidelines for Individuals, Proof Help Center
    url: https://support.proof.com/hc/en-us/articles/360056919974-Witness-Guidelines-for-Individuals
  - name: What Do You Need to Get Something Notarized? Blue Notary
    url: https://bluenotaryonline.com/what-do-you-need-to-notarize/
  - name: FAQ, Tucson Notary Pro
    url: https://www.tucsonnotarypro.com/faq-notarized-documents/
  - name: Notary Services, Loudoun County Library
    url: https://library.loudoun.gov/SERVICES/Notary-Services
  - name: How to Notarize a Document, Adobe Acrobat
    url: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/business/resources/how-to-notarize-a-document
---

Notarizing something sounds like a small errand until you show up with the wrong ID, a document you already signed, or without the one witness it turns out you needed — and get sent home. A little prep beforehand makes the actual appointment take about ten minutes. Here's how to get ready, what happens at the appointment, and what to do with the document afterward.

## Before You Book

- [ ] Confirm which parts of the document actually need notarizing `{when: unsure-what-notarial-act-is-needed}`
  Not every form does, and some documents like wills or trusts may be refused by certain notaries, so check first.
- [ ] Read the whole document and understand what you're signing `{essential}`
  If you don't understand something in the document, consult with a legal advisor before your appointment, since a notary can't explain the contents or give legal advice.
- [ ] Check for blank spaces or missing fields
  Leaving blanks can make a document vulnerable to later alterations or fraud.
- [ ] Fill in every field except your signature `{essential}`
  Notaries are required to witness you signing the document, so do not sign them beforehand unless instructed otherwise by the notary.
- [ ] Find out if the document needs one or more witnesses in addition to the notary, and who's allowed to serve `{when: document-requires-witnessing}`
  A witness must be of sound mind, have the capacity to be a witness, and be a neutral third party who can't be an agent, beneficiary, or their spouse.
- [ ] Line up your witness(es) in advance and confirm they can attend `{when: document-requires-witnessing}`
  Check the notary's own rules on relatives or beneficiaries acting as witnesses.
- [ ] Gather every page of the document, not just the signature page
  Bring acceptable ID as required by your state along with all pages of the document being notarized.
- [ ] Confirm your government-issued photo ID is current and matches the name on the document `{essential}`
  The name on the ID should match the name on the document.
- [ ] Bring a backup form of ID in case your state or the notary asks for a second one `{when: state-requires-second-id}`

## Booking the Appointment

- [ ] Choose where to go
  A bank, library, shipping store, mobile notary, or an online/remote notary service, depending on what your state allows.
- [ ] Ask what fees apply, including any travel or mobile fees, before you agree to the appointment
  Understand the fees associated with the notarization service, including any travel fees if applicable.
- [ ] Confirm the exact time, address, and meeting spot, especially for a mobile or virtual notary
  Confirm the appointment time and location with the notary in advance, and confirm the address and specific meeting spot if it's a mobile notary service.
- [ ] Ask whether the notary can supply witnesses if you don't have your own `{when: no-witness-available}`
  Some notaries will bring one or two, but they charge their own fees, so plan for the extra cost.
- [ ] Check whether the notary at your chosen location can only notarize a certified copy rather than an original `{when: notarizing-a-copy}`
  At some libraries, for instance, notaries can only notarize certified copies made by library staff.

## At the Appointment

- [ ] Arrive at least 10 minutes early with the complete, unsigned document and your ID
  This gives you ample time to address last-minute concerns and present your documents and IDs without feeling rushed.
- [ ] Bring your witness(es) with their own valid photo ID if the document requires them `{when: document-requires-witnessing}`
  If the document requires a witness you will need to have a witness present who is over age 18 and who has a valid government issued photo ID.
- [ ] Let the notary review the document before you sign anything
  The notary will review your document(s) to determine the notarization requirements and whether they are able to complete the notarization.
- [ ] Sign the document only in front of the notary, not before `{essential}`
  A notary can't notarize a signature they didn't see you make.
- [ ] Present your ID and let the notary verify it
  A notary's main job is to serve as an impartial, state-sanctioned witness to prevent fraud, and that all starts with your identification.
- [ ] Expect the notary to check you're signing willingly and understand the document
  They're trained to never notarize the signature of someone who seems confused, unresponsive, or urged to sign against their will.
- [ ] Sign the notary's journal or logbook as well as the document, if asked
- [ ] Pay the notary's fee and any travel costs
  This should have been disclosed in advance and itemized separately from the cost of the notarial act.

## After the Appointment

- [ ] Check the notary's stamp, seal, and signature are all present and legible before you leave `{essential}`
  A missing or smudged seal can get the document rejected later by whoever needs it.
- [ ] Make copies of the notarized document for your own records before handing over or filing the original `{essential}`
  Many notarized documents, like deeds or affidavits, are hard or costly to redo.
- [ ] Deliver or file the document with any deadline in mind `{when: document-has-filing-deadline}`
  Some notarized documents, like court affidavits, have a filing window.
- [ ] Keep the notary's contact information on file in case the receiving party has questions about the notarization later