Bring a government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document
To have a document notarized, you need two things: a valid government-issued photo ID and the original unsigned document you want notarized. The notary will check your ID to confirm you are who you say you are, then watch you sign the document in front of them. Without both of these, the notary cannot complete the job.
The ID must be current and show your photograph. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. An expired ID is usually rejected, though some notaries may accept one if it expired recently and the photograph is still clearly recognizable. Call ahead if your ID is expired—different notaries have different rules.
The document itself must be the original, not a photocopy. If you bring a copy, the notary will turn you away. The document should be blank where you need to sign; the notary will not notarize a document you have already signed. Some documents come with specific blanks for the notary's seal and signature—bring the document exactly as it was given to you.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a current government-issued photo ID; a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID all work.
- The document you want notarized must be the original, not a copy, and the signature line must be blank when you arrive.
- Some documents require specific notary language or wording—check with whoever gave you the document before you go.
- The notary will watch you sign and then add their seal and signature; the whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.
- If the notary does not recognize you or has questions about the document's purpose, they may ask follow-up questions or decline to notarize it.
What counts as acceptable ID
A government-issued photo ID means a document issued by a federal, state, or local government agency that includes your photograph, your name, and an expiration date. A driver's license from your state is the most common choice. A U.S. passport, a state-issued ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID), a military ID, or a passport card also work.
Some notaries will accept a tribal ID if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe. A few notaries may accept a foreign passport if you do not have a U.S. document, but this varies by state and by individual notary—call first if that is your only option. School IDs, work IDs, library cards, and credit cards do not count, even if they have your photograph.
The ID must not be expired, or the notary will likely refuse it. If your ID expired within the last few months and the photograph is still clearly you, some notaries may make an exception, but this is not may provide. If you are unsure, contact the notary before you go and ask whether they will accept your specific ID.
Documents that may need special notary language
Some documents come with specific wording that the notary must use. A power of attorney, an affidavit, or a sworn statement often includes a printed section for the notary's certification—this is called the notarial certificate. The notary will read this section, make sure it matches what you are asking them to do, and then sign and seal it.
If your document does not have a notarial certificate printed on it, the notary will add one. This is a standard paragraph that says you appeared in front of them, showed ID, and signed the document. You do not need to write this yourself or bring it with you.
Before you go to the notary, check whether the document came with instructions about what type of notarization you need. Some documents ask for a notary public (the standard type), while others may ask for a notary with specific training or credentials. If you are unsure, contact the person or organization that gave you the document and ask what kind of notary they need.
What to bring if someone else is signing
If you are bringing a document for someone else to sign—for example, a power of attorney where another person grants you authority—that person must be present at the notary's office. They must bring their own government-issued photo ID. The notary will check their ID, watch them sign, and then notarize the document.
You can be present while this happens, but you cannot sign for them or tell them what to write. The person signing must do it themselves, in front of the notary. If the signer is unable to write their name, some notaries can make a note of this and proceed, but rules vary by state—call ahead if this is your situation.
If the signer cannot come to the notary's office, some notaries offer mobile services and will travel to a hospital, home, or workplace. This usually costs more than an office visit. Ask the notary whether they offer this service and what the fee is.
Fees and where to find a notary
Notary fees vary by location and by notary. Most charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though some charge more for mobile services or for documents that are longer or more complex. Some banks and credit unions offer notary services free to customers. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacies also have notaries on staff, usually for a small fee.
To find a notary near you, search online for "notary public near me" or call your bank. Your state's Secretary of State office keeps a list of commissioned notaries, and you can search by county or city. If you need the notary quickly, call ahead to confirm they are available and ask about their fee before you go.
Some notaries require an appointment, while others take walk-ins. If you are bringing multiple documents or a document that is very long, call ahead so the notary knows to set aside extra time.
Common reasons a notary will refuse to notarize
A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they have a conflict of interest—for example, if they are a family member of the person signing, or if they stand to gain money or property from the document. This is a legal requirement, not a choice.
A notary may also refuse if they do not understand the document's purpose or if something about it seems suspicious. If the signer appears confused, unable to understand English, or under pressure, the notary may decline. If the signature does not match the ID, or if the ID appears fake or altered, the notary will refuse.
If a notary refuses your document, ask them why. If it is a conflict of interest or a legal issue, you will need to find a different notary. If it is something you can fix—for example, the signature line was already signed—you can correct it and try again with a different notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document that I already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need an unsigned copy of the document. If the original is already signed and you cannot get an unsigned copy, ask the person or organization that gave you the document whether they can provide a blank version.
What if I do not have a current government ID?
You will need to get one before you can have a document notarized. A notary cannot proceed without a current, government-issued photo ID. If your ID is expired, renew it at your state's DMV or the appropriate government office. Some states allow online renewal; others require an in-person visit. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks.
Do I need to bring anything else besides my ID and the document?
No. Bring your ID and the original, unsigned document. You do not need to bring money unless you want to pay by cash—some notaries accept card payments. You do not need to bring the notary's seal or any special forms; the notary provides those.
Can a notary notarize a photocopy or a scanned document?
No. The notary must see and notarize the original document. A photocopy or a printed scan is not acceptable. If you only have a digital copy, print it on paper and bring that to the notary.
How long does notarization take?
Most notarizations take five to ten minutes. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign, and then add their seal and signature. If the document is long or complex, or if the notary has questions, it may take longer. If you are notarizing multiple documents, allow extra time.