What to Bring to an Appt with a Notary for General Notary Signing

Introduction

When you need to get a document notarized, it’s essential to be prepared for your appointment with a Notary Public. Notaries play a vital role in verifying the authenticity of your documents and ensuring the legality of the signatures involved. To help make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, it’s crucial to know what to bring to your appointment. In this blog, we’ll discuss the essential items to have on hand when meeting with a Notary Public for general notary signings.

1. The Document Requiring Notarization

The most critical item to bring to your appointment with a Notary Public is the document that needs to be notarized. This document can vary widely, but common examples include:

• Legal Contracts: Any legally binding agreement, such as real estate contracts, employment contracts, or business agreements.
• Financial Documents: Mortgage paperwork, loan agreements, or documents related to financial transactions.
• Personal Documents: Affidavits, power of attorney forms, or consent forms.
• Identification Documents: Documents requiring verification of identity, like a copy of a passport or driver’s license.

It’s essential to have all pages of the document present, and they should be complete and ready for notarization. Remember not to sign the document in advance, as the Notary Public must witness your signature.

1. Proper Identification

The Notary Public needs to confirm your identity to prevent fraud. Typically, you should bring one or more of the following forms of identification:

• Government-issued Photo ID: This could be a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card.
• Social Security Card: In some cases, your social security card may be required to confirm your identity.
• Secondary Identification: If your primary ID doesn’t have a photo, you may need to provide a secondary form of identification, like a utility bill or a bank statement with your name and address.

Make sure your identification is current and unexpired. Your identification documents should also be in good condition and not damaged in a way that makes them difficult to read.

1. Payment for Notary Services

Notary services are typically not free, and the cost can vary based on your location and the type of document. Be prepared to pay for the service either in cash or by the method preferred by the Notary Public. It’s a good idea to inquire about the fee in advance to avoid any surprises.

1. Witnesses (If Required)

Some documents may require witnesses in addition to notarization. Check the requirements for your specific document and, if necessary, bring the required number of witnesses with proper identification.

Conclusion

Getting documents notarized by a Notary Public is a common and necessary process for various legal and financial transactions. To ensure a smooth and successful notarization, be sure to bring the document, proper identification, any necessary witnesses, and payment for the service. By coming prepared, you can help the Notary Public complete the process efficiently, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your document is legally valid and secure.