What you need to do before the notary sees your document
Fill in all blanks and sign your name where the document tells you to — but do not sign in front of the notary yet. The notary will watch you sign certain places, and signing beforehand can invalidate the whole document. Read through the entire form first so you know which signature lines the notary needs to witness.
Print or write clearly in black or blue ink. Notaries often photograph or scan documents, and faded or unclear writing can cause problems later when the document is used. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line, write the correction above it, and initial the change. Do not use white-out or tape.
Bring the original document, not a copy. Notaries must see and verify the actual paper you will use. They cannot notarize a photocopy or a document you plan to copy later. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even the pages you are not signing.
Key Takeaways
- Fill in all blanks and sign everywhere except the lines the notary will witness you sign.
- Use black or blue ink, write clearly, and bring the original document — notaries cannot notarize copies.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID; the notary will check it against your signature.
- Tell the notary which document you need notarized and what type of notarization (acknowledgment, jurat, or other) the document requires.
- The notary will add their seal, signature, and date; keep the notarized document in a safe place because getting it re-notarized later is time-consuming.
Bring the right identification
You must show a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will compare your face to the photo and your signature to the one on the ID. Expired IDs are usually accepted as long as the photo is still recognizable, but some notaries will refuse them. Call ahead if your ID is expired or if you do not have one.
If you do not have photo ID, some notaries will notarize your document using a credible witness — someone who knows you personally and can vouch for your identity. That witness must also bring photo ID. This process takes longer and costs more, so check with the notary first.
Know what type of notarization your document needs
The document itself usually states what kind of notarization is required. The two most common types are acknowledgment and jurat. An acknowledgment means you are confirming that you signed the document and that the signature is yours — the notary watches you sign and verifies your ID. A jurat means you are swearing under oath that the contents of the document are true; the notary will ask you to raise your hand and swear or affirm before you sign.
Some documents ask for a copy certification, where the notary confirms that a copy matches the original. Others require a signature witnessing, which is similar to an acknowledgment but with slightly different wording. Read the document carefully or ask the person who gave it to you which type you need. Bringing the wrong type of notarization can make the document invalid.
What happens when you meet the notary
Tell the notary which document you need notarized and what type of notarization it requires. Hand over your ID and the document. The notary will read through it, check that you have filled in all required blanks, and confirm that you understand what you are signing. They may ask you questions like "Did you sign this of your own free will?" or "Do you understand what this document says?"
For an acknowledgment, the notary will watch you sign the document on the lines that require a notarized signature. For a jurat, you will raise your hand and swear or affirm that the contents are true before signing. The notary will then add their official seal (a stamp or embosser), sign the document, write the date, and may add their notary number or commission expiration date. This usually takes five to ten minutes.
After the notary finishes
Check that the notary has completed all required information — their signature, the seal, the date, and any notary number or commission details. Some documents have a specific box or section labeled "Notary Acknowledgment" or "Notary Jurat" where all this information must go. If something is missing, ask the notary to add it before you leave.
Keep the notarized document in a safe place. If you lose it or it gets damaged, you will have to go back to the notary or find a new one and pay to have it notarized again. Some documents, like real estate deeds, should be stored with other important papers or filed with a government office. Ask the person who requested the notarization where it should go next.
Common mistakes that delay or invalidate notarization
Signing before the notary watches you is the most common problem. If you have already signed the document, the notary may refuse to notarize it or may require you to sign again in front of them on a blank line. Some notaries will cross out your earlier signature and have you sign in front of them instead.
Leaving blanks unfilled is another frequent issue. Notaries will not notarize a document with empty signature lines, date fields, or other required information. If a blank does not explore to you, ask the notary whether you should write "N/A" or leave it blank. Bringing a copy instead of the original will also stop the process — the notary must see and verify the actual document you will use.
Using pencil, faded ink, or illegible handwriting can cause the notary to ask you to rewrite sections. If the document will be scanned or photographed for official records, clarity matters. Showing up without photo ID or with an ID the notary cannot verify will delay things; call ahead if you are unsure whether your ID will work.
Where to find a notary
Banks, credit unions, and law offices often notarize documents for free or for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm they offer notary services and ask whether you need an appointment. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacies also provide notary services for a fee, usually between five and fifteen dollars per signature.
Online notary services are available in many states, though they work differently — you will sign the document electronically while a notary watches via video. These services are faster if you do not have time to visit in person, but they cost more and are not accepted for all types of documents. Check whether the document you need notarized can be notarized online before you pay for that service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document that is already signed?
Some notaries will cross out your existing signature and have you sign again in front of them. Others will refuse. It depends on the notary and the type of document. Call ahead and explain the situation rather than showing up with a pre-signed document.
What if I cannot get to a notary in person?
Online notary services are available in most states and allow you to sign electronically while a notary watches via video. Not all documents can be notarized online — real estate deeds and some legal documents require an in-person notary. Check the document's requirements first.
How much does notarization cost?
Banks and credit unions often notarize for free if you are a customer. Other notaries charge between five and fifteen dollars per signature. Online notaries typically charge more, sometimes twenty to fifty dollars. Prices vary by location and notary.
What if the notary says my document is invalid?
The notary may see a problem with the document itself — missing information, unclear language, or a requirement that cannot be met. Ask the notary to explain what is wrong. You may need to contact the person or organization that created the document and ask for a corrected version.
Do I need to keep the notarized document, or can I give it to someone else?
That depends on the document's purpose. Some documents, like powers of attorney, should be kept by the person who signed them. Others, like loan documents, go to the lender. Ask the person who requested the notarization where the document should go after it is notarized.