Almost every delayed notarization traces back to something that could have been checked the day before. This is that checklist.
Bring current photo identification
Every signer needs current, government-issued photo identification. Current is the word that catches people out. A license that expired last month is not current identification, however plainly it is you in the photograph, so check the date before the appointment rather than at the table.
The name on the ID should support the name on the document. Where there is a difference, a maiden name, a middle initial that appears on one and not the other, a legal change since the document was drafted, bring whatever paperwork bridges the gap, and tell the receiving organization in advance how you intend to sign.
Bring the complete document, unsigned
Every page, including attachments, exhibits, and anything the drafter referred to. And unsigned: for most notarial acts the signature has to happen in front of the notary, because that witnessing is the entire value of the act. Do not sign in advance unless the receiving party has specifically instructed you to.
Close any blank spaces before the appointment. Gaps in a document that is about to be notarized are a genuine risk, since anything could be written into them afterwards. Complete them or strike them through.
Do not pre-sign: The most common wasted trip is a document that arrived already signed. In most cases the signer has to sign again in front of the notary, and occasionally a fresh copy has to be printed.
Have every signer present
Each signer appears before the notary, in person or in a compliant remote session. A spouse cannot sign for a spouse. An adult child cannot sign for a parent, however sensible the arrangement, unless they hold a power of attorney and are signing in that capacity. If the document has two signature lines, we need two people.
Sort witnesses out in advance
If the document requires witnesses, arrange them beforehand and check none of them benefits under it. A beneficiary, an appointed agent, or a party to the contract is the wrong choice, even where it is not strictly prohibited. It is the first thing anyone challenging the document will point at. In a care facility, avoid staff.
The notary cannot be one of them. We cannot witness the signature we are notarizing, so two required witnesses means two people besides us.
Know which certificate the document needs
If your document already contains notarial wording, we complete it. If it contains none, someone has to decide whether it needs an acknowledgment or a jurat, and Washington law prohibits a notary from making that choice for you. Ask the drafter or the receiving party before the appointment. We can explain the difference between the two; we cannot select.
What to tell us when you book
- The document type, and who is receiving it
- How many signers, and whether all of them can attend together
- The address, so travel can be quoted and agreed before we set out
- Whether witnesses are required, and whether you have them
- Any deadline you are working to
With that, we can flag anything on this list before anyone travels, and confirm the total in advance: $15 per notarial act, $25 for a remote act, travel quoted separately.