If you are a member of the public who needs to have a document notarized, there are several steps you can take to prepare for a smooth notarization. This short guide will explain what customers must bring to a Notary Public and what to expect when requesting notarial services.
Follow these simple steps to get your document notarized:
Know what type of notarization you need
Make sure the document is complete
Bring acceptable identification
Ensure the name on your ID matches the name on your document
Have all signers present for the notarization
Be aware and willing to sign
Know What Type of Notarization You Need As the signer, you must tell the Notary what type of notarization you need. Notaries can describe what the primary notarial acts are, but they cannot recommend one over another. It's illegal for a Notary Public to give advice like this unless they are also a licensed attorney. Generally, notarizations come in three basic types:
Acknowledgments — The purpose of an acknowledgment is to declare that you have willingly signed a document.
Jurats — The purpose of a jurat is for you to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true.
Copy Certifications — The purpose of a certified copy is to have the Notary confirm that the copy is an exact match of the original. This is not allowed in all states.
Make Sure the Document is Complete Generally, a document must be 100% complete for a Notary to perform a notarization. Make sure there aren't any blank spaces on your document before you meet with a Notary because that could make the document more susceptible to fraud. For example, an empty line for critical date or interest rate information on a loan document could cause serious trouble for the borrower if the information is added after the form is notarized.
Bring Acceptable Identification The primary duty of a Notary Public is to verify your identity as the document signer. The most common way they determine that you are who you say you are, is by checking state-issued identification documents, like driver's licenses and passports. Notaries need to see a form of identification that meets requirements set by state law, so make sure you have acceptable ID for notarization ahead of time.
Ensure the Name on Your ID Matches the Name on Your Document If you've recently changed your legal name due to marriage, divorce or other reasons, be sure that the ID you bring to the notarization matches your name shown on the document.
Have All Signers Present for the Notarization A signer must meet face-to-face with a Notary in order to have their signature notarized. Be sure that any person whose signature needs notarization is available and can attend your appointment with the Notary Public.
Be Aware and Willing to Sign One of the basic duties of a Notary is to screen document signers for willingness and awareness. That means a Notary will check that you are mentally aware and alert at the time of the notarization, and that you are signing the document voluntarily and not under duress.