What Do I Need to Bring to a Notary?

The checklist

• The full document, printed, with no blank fields — not just the signature page.
• Valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification for each signer.
• Every signer, present at the same time.
• Witnesses, if the document or your state requires them.
• Payment — ask in advance whether the notary takes cards.

Why the document should be unsigned

Some notarial acts require the notary to watch you sign. Others allow you to acknowledge a signature you already made. Since the required act is not always obvious, arriving unsigned keeps both options open. If the document is already signed and the act requires signing in front of the notary, you may need to print a new copy.

Fill the document in first

Complete every field before the appointment, except the signature and date lines. A notary generally cannot notarize a document with blank spaces, and cannot tell you what to write in them.

Names must match

The name on your identification should match the name on the document. A middle initial or a recent name change can cause a notary to decline. If the names differ, contact the recipient of the document before the appointment to ask how they want it handled.

Witnesses

Some documents, particularly estate paperwork, require witnesses in addition to the notary. Notaries are not usually able to supply witnesses, and people who benefit from a document are often unsuitable. Ask the recipient of the document what it requires, and bring your own if you can.