Setting the appointment to notarize your documents
Before your mobile notary appointment, make sure you have the required identification documents. This will include an unexpired government–issued ID like a driver’s license or passport. This is required for each person signing.
All your paperwork should be completely filled out and ready for the Notary. This means filling out all the forms thoroughly (but leaving the signature and date sections blank until instructed by the notary). Missing information can make a document invalid. Make sure that all the blank spaces are filled out or crossed out (if applicable)
At this time I am only providing in-person notarizations, at your location. Every state has different rules, and California requires certain verbiage to be included in the document. If the document is not in compliance, I will complete a separate Acknowledgement or Jurat as an attachment. Understand whether you’ll need witnesses. You can find this under the signature line, it’ll say “witness”.
Scheduling your appointment might seem like a no-brainer, but it does involve a bit of logistics, specially if there are more than one signer. Coordinate a time that works for all parties involved and take into account traffic time too. Please make sure your location has an empty table in case we need to spread out papers. If this might be an issue, I can bring a portable table. Is there a unit number or is it a gated entry? Providing this information will speed up the process and avoid confusion upon arrival. You will know the cost for the mobile notary service before we finish our phone call. Generally speaking, the cost will be $15.00 per notarized document, per person. The travel fee will be calculated based on time and distance.
On the Day of Appointment: What to Expect During Your Mobile Notary Visit
Verification of your identity and documentation kicks off the appointment. I will check your ID to confirm your name matches the name on the document. This is a crucial step and is done for all signers involved.
Reviewing all the documents is essential. I will do that by scanning through each page to ensure everything is in order and it is complete with no blank spaces before proceeding. Make sure you understand the contents because I can not offer any legal advice. And choosing the type of document you will need notarized is considered legal advise, according to the Secretary of State.
If an oath or affirmation is needed, I will ask you to swear or affirm that the information in your documents is accurate and you are the person named in the document. This is a standard procedure and mandatory for a Jurat notarization.
When it comes time to affix the notary seal and signature, I will scan the document once again, including the signature, seal, and date. Your finished after you sign the notary journal and and insert your thumbprint, (it is necessary for all documents being recorded at the county recorders office, like a deed. It may be necessary for a Trust document or power of attorney document as well if real estate is involved.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Mobile Notary Appointment
Incomplete or incorrect documentation can invalidate the document. Double-check your paperwork before the appointment. Is your name spelled correctly and the same as your drivers license? Incorrect information can delay or invalidate the notarization. I am not able to notarize a document that is post dated or dated in the future.
Valid identification is a must like an unexpired government-issued ID. There are other forms of ID that are acceptable as well. I am happy to go over it with you on the phone if you’d like. The name on the ID should match the name in the document.
Miscommunication about appointment logistics can turn things chaotic. Confirm the time, date, and location with the me. Ensure everyone involved in signing the document is present at the time of signing and in the loop as it relates to time, date, and location of appointment, to prevent last-minute chaos.
Post-Appointment Steps: Ensuring Your Documents Are Valid and Secure
Double-check the notarized documents for accuracy. Look at the notary’s signature, seal, and date to ensure everything is properly filled out.
Store your notarized documents in a safe place. These are often critical legal documents, so keep them dry, secure, and easy to access when needed. If the documents need to be recorded by the county recorders office, make sure the person asking for the notarization is aware that you completed the notary and ask where the document needs to go. Sometimes they ask for the document to be delivered the moment it is notarized. Please inform the notary public of this information as I might be able to assist you as a courier to deliver the documents.
Understand the legal significance of a notarized document. It’s not just a signature; it’s a verification that the signatures are authentic and from the person named in the documents.
If any issues arise with the notarization, contact me to correct any mistakes. Prompt action helps keep everything on schedule.