12 Tips for a Smooth Notary Appointment
Notarization is process that involves verifying the authenticity of a document and the identity of the signer. People often require notarization when they sign important documents such as deeds, affidavits, power of attorney, and others. To ensure a smooth notary appointment, you need to be well-prepared and understand the requirements.
In this article, I will provide tips for a smooth notary appointment to help ensure a successful notarization process.
1. Gather All Necessary Documents Before Your Appointment
Before your notary appointment, make sure to gather all the necessary documents that need to be notarized, such as identification and the documents to be notarized. Get prints of the documents early on, and don’t forget to bring any supporting documents. Fill out all the required information, except for the date and signature, before the appointment. This way, you can ensure that the documents are ready for signing.
2. Bring a Valid Government-Issued ID
To verify your identity, bring a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, US passport, state ID, Green card, Employment Authorization card (EAD), Valid Foreign Passport (issued outside of USA) that has a stamp from the Citizenship and Immigration Services. You should make sure that the ID is not expired and matches the name on the document to be notarized.
ID that are not accepted: Social Security Cards, Work Identification Badges, Student Identification Card, Medicare Cards, Temporary Driver’s License.
3. Check Notary Fees and Acceptable Payment Methods
Notary fees can vary depending on the state and type of documents. Before your appointment, check the notary fees in advance. Also find out the acceptable forms of payment, such as cash or Zelle, or Venmo, to avoid any inconvenience.
4. Ensure All Parties Involved in the Notarization Are Present
If multiple parties are involved in the notarization, such as a co-signer or witness, you should ensure that they are present. If you are unsure whether additional parties are required, it is best to check with the document preparer and/or notary public ahead of time.
5. Schedule Your Appointment in Advance
Scheduling a notary appointment in advance is an excellent way to ensure that the process goes without any hiccups. By planning ahead, you can avoid any unexpected wait times. And unavailability of notary, witnesses, signers.
In some cases, notaries may offer mobile services, means that they will come to your location to perform the notarization. This can be helpful if you cannot leave your location.
6. Bring the Original Document
To ensure the notary can verify the authenticity of the document, bring the original document. It’s a small but important step to take in ensuring a successful notary appointment. It is more common than people realize for individuals to forget to bring their original documents.
7. Arrive on Time for the Appointment
It is vital that you arrive on time for your notary appointment. Punctuality is essential to ensure a seamless and efficient notary appointment. Be respectful of everyone’s time and show up on time and notify if you are running late.
8. Bring a Witness
A witness may be required for certain types of documents. If a witness is required, make sure to bring one (sometimes two) with you.
Also, If a Signer can not provide acceptable form of identification, then a credible witness who has valid ID can be provided, by the signer, who can vouch for the identity of the Signer.
9. Be prepared to take an oath
In some cases, the notary may require you to take an oath. You should be prepared to take an oath if asked to do so.
10. Sign the Document in the Presence of the Notary
The notary must witness you and other parties (if any) signing the document. Make sure to sign the document in the presence of the notary.
11. Bring payment for the notary’s services
Make sure to bring payment for the notary’s services and make the required payment. duh! 🙂
12. Understand the notary’s role as an impartial witness
Finally, it’s important to understand the notary’s role as an impartial witness. The notary is not a legal advisor or document drafter, but rather an impartial witness who verifies the authenticity of the document and the identity.
Remember to be well-prepared, bring all necessary documents and identification, arrive on time, and understand the notary’s role as an impartial witness. With these steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that your documents are legally binding and properly notarized.
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Your family Notary,
Ashuni Shah
