Do I Sign a Document Before Going to the Notary?
Updated 2026-09-19
In most cases, no — bring the document unsigned. Some notarial acts require the notary to watch you sign, while others let you acknowledge a signature you already made. Since you may not know which act your document needs, arriving unsigned keeps both paths open.
Acknowledgement versus jurat
For an acknowledgement, you confirm to the notary that the signature is yours and that you signed willingly; the signature may already exist. For a jurat, you swear or affirm that the contents are true and you sign in the notary's presence. A jurat therefore cannot be completed on a pre-signed page.
What to do instead
- Complete every other field on the form.
- Leave the signature and date lines blank.
- Bring the whole document, including pages without signatures.
- Tell the notary which act the recipient requires, if you know.
If you already signed
Do not panic and do not sign again over the top. Show the notary; if the required act is an acknowledgement, the appointment can usually continue. If a jurat is required, print a clean copy.
Electronic documents
For remote online notarization the same principle applies: the electronic signature is generally applied during the session, not before.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I sign in the car park before I go in?
- Better to wait. If the act requires signing in the notary's presence, a signature made outside does not qualify.
- Who fills in the date?
- You date your signature; the notary dates the notarial certificate with the date of the notarial act.
- Can the notary tell me where to sign?
- A notary can point out the notarial certificate, but cannot advise you on completing the rest of the document.
Search the notary directory
Enter your ZIP code or city to see notaries who serve your area.
Related guides
What Do I Need to Bring to a Notary?
A checklist of what to bring to a notary appointment: the document, identification, signers, witnesses and payment.
Read guideDoes the Person Signing Have to Be Present for Notarization?
Why personal appearance is the core rule of notarization, and how remote online notarization satisfies it.
Read guideWhat Happens During a Notary Appointment?
A step-by-step walkthrough of a notary appointment, from identification through to the notary's seal.
Read guideWhat Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary public verifies identity, confirms willingness and completes a notarial certificate. Here is what that means and what a notary cannot do.
Read guideNotarization requirements vary by state and document type. A notary public generally cannot give legal advice, choose a document for you, draft a document unless separately authorized, tell you how to complete a form, or explain the legal effect of signing. If you are unsure whether your document needs notarization or which notarial act is required, ask the agency or person receiving the document, or consult a qualified legal professional.