What to bring to the appointment

You and all  signers must be present during the signing. If the document requires witnesses , they must be present as well. However, any person(s) named in the document , have financial or beneficial interest in the signing of the document CAN NOT act as a witness.

**If you must assign someone to present the document before the notary on your behalf, let your notary know as certain requirements are needed.**

Ensure that all signers have present during the signing , their photo ID's. Depending on the type of signing , your notary will let you know which ID's are required and if scanned copies are needed. Your name on the ID must match the name listed in the documentation.

** If your ID is expired but has been issued within the past 5 years, in California, a notary public is allowed to accept this identification. If it has passed 5 years since issued , it can no longer be utilized for the notarization. **

Make sure that the documentation is filled out but NOT signed. If it is signed beforehand you may have to re-sign it before the notary. Document must be complete with no blank spaces . Many states require the notary public to refuse the signing is this is the case.

Ensure that you are aware of the type of payment that your notary accepts. Whether that is cash, zelle , venmo , credit or debit payments.

If you don't have an ID for the notarization you may be able to utilize a credible witness. This person will need to show their ID and be put under oath swearing or affirming before the notary that they personally know you, that you do not have and can not obtain a form of identification and that they have no financial or beneficial interest in the signing of the document . 

How many are needed?

1) this person must know you and the notary public personally

or 

2) these persons must personally know the signer and do not have to personally know the notary.

If you can not be present before the notary and must assign someone to present the document on your behalf, they are called a Subscribing Witness. They will be put under oath by the notary and their identity will be verified via credible witnesses. 1- who personally knows notary and 3rd party or 2- who personally know 3rd party and not the notary.

Requirements: 

This assigned 3rd party must have witnessed the signer sign the document or heard them acknowledge that they have signed the document. 

Third party must bring credible witnesses to the signing as this will be their form of ID- Credible Witnesses must bring their unexpired photo ID's. 

3rd party and Credible Witnesses will sign the notary's journal.