A little preparation goes a long way in making your signing experience efficient, accurate, and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare:
- Have your identification ready
A valid, acceptable ID is required for notarization. Having it ready at the start helps the signing move smoothly.
- Please confirm your appointment
Be sure to confirm your scheduled appointment with your notary. Some notaries may not travel to unconfirmed appointments. If you need to cancel or decline the appointment, kindly let your notary know as soon as possible—this courtesy is always appreciated.
- Keep your phone nearby
Around your appointment time, please keep your phone accessible. Your notary may need to call or text you for directions, parking details, or quick coordination.
- Preparing for an in-home signing
- Many signings take place in the signer’s home. If so, please prepare a clean, well-lit space with a table or flat surface for signing.
- If you have pets, a quick heads-up is appreciated. For everyone’s safety, aggressive or excitable pets should be secured before the notary arrives.
- If you prefer the notary to wear a mask, please let them know in advance.
- If anyone in the household is unwell, we kindly ask that they wear a mask or remain away from the signing area.
- During the signing, your full attention is greatly appreciated—it helps ensure the documents are completed correctly and on time.
- Meeting at a public location
- If your signing is scheduled at a public place, please consider potential challenges such as wind, noise, lack of seating, or limited table space. Choosing a calm, stable environment helps avoid delays or errors.
- If your signing is scheduled at a workplace, please advise parking, access and other related information to the visiting notary.
- Multiple signers
If there are multiple signers, please ensure everyone arrives at the same time unless a split signing has been arranged in advance.
- Understanding the notary’s role
Notaries are there to verify identities, perform notarizations, and facilitate the signing of documents. They are not permitted to provide legal, lending, or real estate advice.
- Fraud prevention takes time
Fraud is on the rise, and notaries are on the front line of preventing it. Some steps in the signing process may feel repetitive, but these safeguards are essential. Your patience is truly appreciated.
- Final document review
If your notary does not automatically perform a final check of the completed documents, you are always welcome to request one.
10. Review your documents in advance (when possible)
If you’ve received your documents ahead of time, taking a few moments to review them can help you feel more confident during the signing and reduce delays.
11. Have required information ready
Some documents may require additional details (such as addresses, employment information, HOA information, wiring information, insurance information or contact information). Having this information readily available helps keep the signing efficient. If you are not a big fan of filling out forms at the signing by hand, you may ask associated parties to pre-print them for you.
12. Open communication is key
Clear communication helps create a smooth and positive signing experience. If you have special needs, questions, or concerns, please let your notary know. When in doubt—just ask!
