Come prepared. Leave sealed.
A smooth notarization takes two minutes when you're ready — and can stall entirely when you're not. Here's exactly what to have on hand before the notary arrives.
The essentials
Every appointment requires these three things, no exceptions.
Valid government-issued photo ID
A current driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID must match the name on the document. Expired IDs cannot be accepted.
The document — unsigned
Bring the complete document but do not sign it ahead of time. For jurats and acknowledgements, the notary must witness your signature or verify your identity at the time of signing.
Witnesses (if your document requires them)
Some documents — living wills, advance directives, certain POAs — require one or more witnesses in addition to the notary. Bring your own witnesses, or we can provide them for $35 each.
A few things that trip people up
- Ensure all signers are physically present — remote or phone-in signing is not permitted for notarized documents.
- Review the document for blank spaces before the appointment. Incomplete documents may need to be corrected and re-notarized.
- If signing on behalf of a business, bring any corporate authorization or resolution that grants you signing authority.
- For hospital or care-facility visits, confirm the signer is lucid and willing to sign — capacity is required for a valid notarization.
Hospital, jail, & care-facility visits
Hospitals & assisted living
Let us know the facility name, room number, and any visitor check-in requirements when booking. The signer must be alert, coherent, and signing willingly. If medication or condition may affect capacity, schedule for when the signer is most lucid.
Detention facilities
We can notarize at jails and detention centers by arrangement. Contact us in advance — facility approval, visiting hours, and ID requirements vary by location and may require additional lead time.
Have everything? Let's get it sealed.
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